be overloaded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be overloaded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is experiencing an excessive amount of work, information, or responsibility. Example: "During the busy season, employees may feel like they are about to be overloaded with tasks and deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's very easy to be overloaded by notifications.

The Guardian - Tech

So many people would be carriers for at least one disease that genetic counselors might be overloaded.

The New York Times

His half of the draw, once thought to be overloaded with talent, no longer has Nadal, Federer or Tsonga.

The New York Times - Sports

At least one thing appeared abundantly clear today: If cynicism were electricity, the California power grid would be overloaded.

The New York Times

Christophe Lemaire is the women's designer at Hermès, but past collections have tended to be overloaded with volume and color — nowhere near as sharp as this one.

The New York Times

True, this last in particular was a silly-season story, puffed up to fill space in bulletins that would otherwise be overloaded with depressing news from abroad.

Independent

With Colon about to return and Phil Hughes expected to make one more rehabilitation start before rejoining the team, the Yankees' rotation will be overloaded soon.

The New York Times - Sports

Add the draft's No. 4 overall pick -- the brute offensive tackle Mike Williams from Texas -- and Bledsoe will not be overloaded.

The New York Times - Sports

That RNA does not need to be transported out of the cell nuclei, so that transporter protein would not be overloaded, some scientists said.

The New York Times - Science

And if the pressure fell any further, it would be overloaded even if the weight of the passengers and cargo was within Ford's limits.

The New York Times

"At some point I'm going to be overloaded".

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be overloaded", consider the specific context to choose the most appropriate synonym. For example, "be overwhelmed" emphasizes the emotional impact, while "be overburdened" stresses the excessive load.

Common error

Ensure the subject that "be overloaded" refers to is clear. Ambiguous wording can make the sentence confusing. Specify what is being overloaded to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be overloaded" functions as a passive verb phrase, typically indicating that a subject is experiencing an excessive load, whether physical, informational, or emotional. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be overloaded" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something or someone is burdened beyond capacity. According to Ludwig AI, its use is particularly prevalent in scientific and news-related contexts. While versatile, it's essential to ensure clarity by specifying what is being overloaded. Consider alternatives such as "be overwhelmed" or "be overburdened" to fine-tune the meaning. Understanding these nuances will help you use "be overloaded" and its alternatives effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be overwhelmed

Focuses on the emotional and mental impact of being burdened, suggesting a feeling of being unable to cope.

be overburdened

Emphasizes the excessive load or responsibility placed on someone or something.

be swamped

Implies being flooded with more than can be handled, often used in the context of tasks or work.

be snowed under

Similar to 'be swamped', suggesting a large accumulation of tasks or responsibilities.

be inundated

Similar to being swamped, but can apply to information or requests as well as tasks.

be stretched to capacity

Highlights the limit of available resources or abilities being reached.

be maxed out

Indicates that a system or resource has reached its maximum potential or limit.

be saturated

Suggests a state where no more can be added or absorbed.

be weighed down

Focuses on the oppressive effect of a heavy burden, whether physical or emotional.

be congested

Implies a blockage or excessive accumulation, often used in the context of traffic or networks.

FAQs

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

You can use "be overloaded" to describe a situation where something or someone is experiencing excessive load. For example: "The server might "be overloaded" during peak hours".

What are some alternatives to "be overloaded"?

Some alternatives include "be overwhelmed", "be overburdened", or "be saturated", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "be overloaded"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. "Be overloaded" is a passive construction using the auxiliary verb 'be' and the past participle 'overloaded'.

What's the difference between "be overloaded" and "become overloaded"?

"Be overloaded" describes a current state, while "become overloaded" describes the process of reaching that state. For example, "The system might "be overloaded"" vs. "The system might "become overloaded" if usage increases.