be overcome

USAGE SUMMARY

"be overcome" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to express an emotion or feeling of being overwhelmed. For example: "When he heard the news, he was overcome with sadness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These problems could be overcome.

The New York Times

This can be overcome.

The Guardian - Opinion

Things can be overcome.

The Guardian - Music

Can these be overcome?

Stanford University

They can be overcome.

The New York Times - Magazine

However, some think this can be overcome.

The Economist

Not all of them will be overcome.

The Economist

"These discrepancies have to be overcome".

The New York Times

Plus, cultural biases had to be overcome.

The New York Times

But these diversions will be overcome.

The New York Times

"Those experiences have to be overcome".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be overcome" to describe emotions, ensure the subject experiencing the emotion is clearly stated. For example, "She was overcome with joy" is clearer than "Joy was overcome."

Common error

Avoid using "be overcome" in contexts where active voice would be more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "The problem was overcome by the team", consider "The team overcame the problem."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be overcome" functions as a passive verb phrase, typically used to indicate that a subject has been significantly affected or defeated by something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable. It can describe being overwhelmed by emotions or the successful resolution of a challenge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

17%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be overcome" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase frequently employed to express a state of being significantly affected or defeated. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s suitable for describing being overwhelmed by emotions or the resolution of a challenge. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news, academia, and science, with a neutral to formal register. While grammatically correct, be mindful of choosing active voice for more directness. Common alternatives include "be defeated by" or "be overwhelmed by", which offer slightly different nuances. Understanding these nuances can enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be overwhelmed by

Emphasizes the feeling of being intensely affected or burdened by something.

be deeply affected by

Focuses on the emotional impact or influence something has on someone.

be defeated by

Focuses specifically on the aspect of being beaten or conquered by something.

succumb to

Implies giving way or yielding to pressure or temptation.

be conquered by

Highlights the idea of being subdued or overpowered, often in a more forceful sense.

be subdued by

Suggests a more controlled or restrained form of being overcome.

give way to

Emphasizes the collapse or failure to resist something.

be surpassed by

Indicates exceeding a limit or expectation, highlighting the idea of outdoing something.

yield to

Suggests a voluntary act of surrendering or giving in to something.

be beaten by

Directly states the act of being defeated in a competition or struggle.

FAQs

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

You can use "be overcome" to describe someone being overwhelmed by an emotion (e.g., "He was overcome with grief") or to indicate that a challenge has been successfully resolved (e.g., "The obstacles had to "be surmounted"").

What are some alternatives to using "be overcome"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "be defeated by", "be overwhelmed by", or "be conquered by". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use the active or passive voice with "overcome"?

While "be overcome" (passive voice) is grammatically correct, using the active voice (e.g., "She overcame her fears") can often create a more direct and impactful sentence. Choose the voice that best suits the context and desired emphasis.

What does it mean to "be overcome" by something?

To "be overcome" by something means to be so affected by it that you are unable to resist or control it. This can apply to emotions, challenges, or even physical forces. The term implies a significant impact that is difficult to withstand.