be overcome with joy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be overcome with joy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a strong feeling of happiness or elation, often in response to a positive event or news. Example: "When she heard the news of her promotion, she was completely overcome with joy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

While busyness may stanch welling sadness, it may also limit your ability to be overcome with joy.

The New York Times

In a show where everyone is playing versions of themselves, you've got a chance to pre-empt the criticism and have fun with it, instead of relying on scenes where a character pops up unexpectedly (Samantha) and the rest of the cast are winking at the audience as they pretend to be overcome with joy to see someone after so long (You again! What are the odds!).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

An emotional Gaylord said in an interview with the network that she was overcome with joy to see Madison waiting for her.

The Washington Post

Having often been the only woman and the only minority in her classes before graduating in 2012, Ms. Dowdy said she was overcome with joy to hear that another milestone had been accomplished at her alma mater.

The New York Times

Despite the passengers' lack of anything remotely resembling expressive language ("Sure are big creatures". / "It's awful plain"), they are overcome with joy, lifted from their narrow selves for a luminous moment, before the bus rolls on.

The New Yorker

When she bursts out crying, exclaim to the kids, "Mommy is overcome with joy at her new 15-horsepower four-stroke Tohatsu with cross-flow induction!" Remember that it is more blessed to give than to receive.

Forbes

Francois: I was overcome with joy.

Vice

Family members said Curtis was overcome with joy.

Los Angeles Times

Many in the crowd were overcome with joy.

Huffington Post

Days I am lonely, and days I am overcome with joy.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be overcome with joy" to describe a powerful, often sudden, feeling of happiness. This phrase is most effective when highlighting a significant positive emotional response.

Common error

While "be overcome with joy" is appropriate for conveying strong emotions, avoid using it too frequently. Vary your language with synonyms like "be filled with joy" or "be elated" to maintain a natural and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be overcome with joy" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, describing a state of being. It indicates that someone is experiencing a strong feeling of happiness, as seen in the Ludwig examples where individuals "were overcome with joy" upon receiving good news or experiencing positive events. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be overcome with joy" is a grammatically sound way to describe a strong feeling of happiness. While relatively rare, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. When writing, use it to emphasize a significant positive emotional response, but remember to vary your language to avoid overuse. Alternative expressions such as "be filled with joy" or "be elated" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be filled with joy

This alternative conveys a similar feeling of happiness but might suggest a slightly less intense or sudden experience.

be overjoyed

This phrase intensifies the feeling of joy, suggesting a great sense of happiness.

be ecstatic

This alternative suggests an overwhelming feeling of happiness and delight, more intense than the original phrase.

be elated

This single-word alternative is more concise and implies a high degree of happiness and excitement.

be bursting with happiness

This alternative vividly describes an overflowing feeling of happiness.

be walking on air

This idiom describes a feeling of extreme happiness and lightness, often after a positive event.

be on cloud nine

This idiom signifies a state of perfect happiness and contentment.

be thrilled

This option focuses on excitement and pleasure, implying a more energetic reaction.

rejoice

This verb is a more formal way to express great joy or delight.

be in high spirits

This idiom describes a cheerful mood or disposition, with less emphasis on a sudden emotional experience.

FAQs

What does "be overcome with joy" mean?

It means to experience a strong, often overwhelming, feeling of happiness and elation.

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

For example, "When she received the award, she "was overcome with joy"."

What can I say instead of "be overcome with joy"?

You can use alternatives like "be filled with joy", "be elated", or "be overjoyed" depending on the context.

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

While "be overcome by joy" is grammatically acceptable, "be overcome with joy" is more common and idiomatic.