be overcome with

USAGE SUMMARY

'be overcome with' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone experiences an intense feeling or emotion, usually as a result of something that has happened. For example, "Having been away from his home for so long, he was overcome with emotion when he arrived back in his hometown."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hunger cannot be overcome with violence.

The Guardian

Those obstacles could be overcome with superior technology.

The Guardian - Tech

I was unsure whether he would be overcome with awe.

The Guardian - Sport

An assembly so divided could easily be overcome with paralysis.

The New York Times

No doubt this hurdle could be overcome with persistence.

The Guardian

But this flaw could be overcome with relatively modest changes.

The New York Times

Its quality problems could be overcome with attention to detail.

The New York Times

They have to be overcome with adequately sized contigs.

Nature

These limitations can be overcome with more sophistication.

Nature

These problems can be overcome with dynamic neural networks (DNN).

Neural Networks

But these obstacles can be overcome with the help of the Hague tribunal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be overcome with" to vividly depict characters or subjects experiencing strong, often overwhelming emotions. For example: "She was overcome with joy at the sight of her family."

Common error

While "be overcome with" is inherently passive, ensure the context provides a clear subject and avoids ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "He was overcome with something", specify the emotion: "He was overcome with grief".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be overcome with" functions as a passive construction used to describe the experience of being intensely affected by a particular emotion or sensation. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to express strong feelings. It highlights the subject's state as a recipient of a powerful emotion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

35%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be overcome with" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, used to depict experiencing intense emotions or sensations. Analysis of Ludwig examples reveals its common usage in news, science, and academic contexts, with a neutral to formal register. To enhance writing, use it to vividly portray emotional states, while avoiding overuse of passive voice and ensuring clarity. Consider alternatives like "be consumed by" or "be filled with" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be consumed by

Replaces "overcome" with "consumed", suggesting a complete absorption by the emotion or feeling.

be filled with

Indicates a state of being completely full of a particular emotion or feeling, similar to being overcome.

be gripped by

Suggests a strong, forceful hold by an emotion or feeling, emphasizing the intensity.

be inundated with

Implies being overwhelmed by a large quantity or intensity of something, often emotions.

be besieged by

Similar to inundated, but suggests a feeling of being attacked or surrounded by strong emotions.

be saturated with

Emphasizes the thoroughness and intensity of being filled with something, often emotions.

be steeped in

Suggests being deeply immersed in a particular atmosphere or feeling.

be drowning in

Conveys a sense of being overwhelmed to the point of helplessness.

be lost in

Indicates a state of being so engrossed in something that one loses awareness of their surroundings.

succumb to

Implies giving way to a powerful force or influence, such as an emotion.

FAQs

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

Use "be overcome with" to describe experiencing a powerful emotion or sensation. For example, "After winning the award, she was "overcome with joy"" or "He was "overcome with dizziness" after the long climb".

What are some synonyms for "be overcome with"?

Alternatives include "be consumed by", "be filled with", or "be gripped by", each conveying a similar sense of being intensely affected.

Is it correct to say "became overcome with" instead of "be overcome with"?

Yes, "became overcome with" is grammatically correct and emphasizes the process of becoming affected by a strong emotion or sensation. Both are valid, but "became" highlights the transition.

What is the difference between "be overcome with" and "be overwhelmed by"?

While similar, "be overcome with" typically refers to emotions, while "be overwhelmed by" can refer to tasks, responsibilities, or large amounts of information. For instance, you might be "overwhelmed by work" but "overcome with sadness".