are overcome with

USAGE SUMMARY

"are overcome with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is overwhelmed emotionally by a feeling or emotion. Example: The fans were overcome with joy as their team won the championship.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

We are overcome with anxiety and helplessness.

The Guardian

Then the trio are overcome with the giggles.

The Guardian

Both are overcome with remorse at the ultimate crime.

The Guardian

We are overcome with sadness at the loss of our dearest friend Myrna.

The New York Times

Is it because you are overcome with joy about getting to play with Tebow?

The New York Times

Slowly she and Siegfried are overcome with confusing but overpowering mutual desire.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Frank is overcome with admiration.

The New Yorker

"I was overcome with emotion," she said.

The New York Times

Suddenly Mrs. Bagot is overcome with sleepiness.

The New Yorker

I was overcome with emotion.

The New York Times

He was overcome with guilt.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are overcome with", ensure the emotion or sensation following 'with' is strong and impactful, reflecting a truly overwhelming experience.

Common error

Refrain from using "are overcome with" for mild feelings or everyday situations. This phrase is best reserved for describing intense emotional experiences; for example, instead of "I was overcome with mild surprise", try "I was slightly surprised".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are overcome with" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is the recipient of a powerful emotion or sensation. It's often used to express a state of being overwhelmed, as supported by Ludwig, where the examples showcase a range of intense emotions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

13%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are overcome with" is a passive verb phrase used to describe a state of being overwhelmed by an emotion or sensation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and demonstrates usage across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, the phrase carries a neutral register and serves to emphasize the intensity of the feeling being described. When writing, reserve its use for strong, impactful emotions to avoid overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are filled with

Indicates a state of being completely occupied by something, but not necessarily negatively overwhelmed. It has a similarity score with the QUERY of 85.

are saturated with

Similar to 'are filled with', emphasizing a state of being completely full. It has a similarity score with the QUERY of 83.

are gripped by

Describes being tightly held or controlled by a feeling or situation. It has a similarity score with the QUERY of 82.

are consumed by

Suggests a more intense and potentially destructive state of being dominated by something. It has a similarity score with the QUERY of 80.

are saturated with

Suggests a state of being thoroughly permeated or infused with something. It has a similarity score with the QUERY of 78.

are inundated with

Implies an overwhelming quantity or influx of something. It has a similarity score with the QUERY of 75.

are dominated by

Similar to 'ruled by', but can also imply being the most noticeable element. It has a similarity score with the QUERY of 73.

are besieged by

Conveys a sense of being attacked or surrounded by something, often negative. It has a similarity score with the QUERY of 70.

are burdened with

Implies carrying a heavy load or responsibility. It has a similarity score with the QUERY of 68.

are ruled by

Highlights complete influence or control. It has a similarity score with the QUERY of 65.

FAQs

How can I use "are overcome with" in a sentence?

Use "are overcome with" to describe a state of being overwhelmed by a feeling or experience. For example, "They "are overcome with" grief after the loss".

What's a less intense alternative to "are overcome with"?

If you want to express a milder sentiment, consider using phrases like "are filled with" or "are touched by", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "was overcome by" instead of "are overcome with"?

Yes, the verb tense can change depending on the context. "Was overcome with" is used for past events, while "are overcome with" describes a present state. For instance, "She "was overcome with" joy when she heard the news".

When should I use "are overcome with" versus "are dealing with"?

"Are overcome with" indicates being overwhelmed by an emotion, while "are dealing with" implies managing a difficult situation. The first describes an emotional state, and the second describes a coping process.