be inundated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be inundated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is overwhelmed or flooded with something, such as information, requests, or tasks. Example: "After the announcement, the customer service team began to be inundated with calls from concerned customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We would soon be inundated.

The New York Times

They must be inundated with minor complaints".

The Guardian

"We don't want to be inundated by this".

The New Yorker

We didn't want to be inundated with nonsense".

The New York Times

Countries like Bangladesh, with 150m inhabitants, will be inundated.

The Economist

Will we be inundated with vanities in gibberish?

The New York Times - Magazine

She will be inundated with offers and invitations.

The Telegraph

I always seem to be inundated with mail-order catalogues.

The New York Times

Their communities would be inundated, and eventually destroyed.

The New Yorker

And they fear the city will be inundated with illegal migrants.

The Economist

About 15 percent of the urbanized land in the Miami region could be inundated.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be inundated" when you want to convey a sense of being overwhelmed by a large quantity or influx of something, whether it's information, requests, or physical objects.

Common error

Avoid using "be inundated" for minor inconveniences or slight increases in workload. The phrase suggests a significant and often overwhelming surge, so reserve it for situations where the influx is truly substantial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be inundated" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is receiving or experiencing a large quantity of something. Ludwig shows its common usage in expressing being overwhelmed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be inundated" is a versatile and frequently used passive verb phrase that conveys the sense of being overwhelmed or flooded with something, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's grammatically sound and widely accepted, making it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, remember to use it when there is a substantial influx, avoiding overuse for minor inconveniences. Consider alternatives like "be overwhelmed" or "be flooded" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be overwhelmed by

Focuses on the emotional or mental state of being overcome by something.

be flooded with

Emphasizes the sheer volume or quantity of something received.

be swamped with

Suggests being very busy and struggling to manage a large workload.

be deluged with

Similar to 'flooded', but can also imply a more forceful or sudden influx.

be snowed under with

Implies being buried or hidden beneath a large amount of something, often work.

be saturated with

Suggests a state of being completely filled or permeated with something.

be overcome by

Highlights the feeling of being overpowered or defeated by something.

be burdened with

Emphasizes the negative aspect of carrying a heavy load or responsibility.

be congested with

Describes a state of being blocked or overcrowded with something.

be steeped in

Implies being deeply immersed or involved in something, often a tradition or atmosphere.

FAQs

How can I use "be inundated" in a sentence?

You can use "be inundated" to describe being overwhelmed by something. For example, "The office will "be inundated" with requests after the sale is announced".

What's a good alternative to "be inundated"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "be inundated" include "be overwhelmed", "be flooded", or "be swamped".

Is it correct to say "I am inundated"?

Yes, "I am inundated" is grammatically correct. It means you are currently overwhelmed with something.

Which is more appropriate, "be inundated with" or "be inundated by"?

"Be inundated with" is typically used to describe what you are overwhelmed with. For example, "be inundated with calls". While "be inundated by" can also be correct, it is less common.