be overwhelmed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be overwhelmed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being emotionally or mentally overloaded, often due to stress or excessive demands. Example: "After receiving the news, I began to be overwhelmed by a mix of emotions that I couldn't control."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He wants to be overwhelmed.

The New Yorker

Then we will be overwhelmed".

The New York Times

"We could be overwhelmed".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expect to be overwhelmed.

The New York Times - Sports

Who wouldn't be overwhelmed by Mr. Ortega?

The New York Times - Arts

"I think people should be overwhelmed.

The New York Times - Arts

Initially newcomers can be overwhelmed.

The Guardian - Tech

The right to be overwhelmed.

The Guardian - Books

Even King can be overwhelmed.

The New York Times - Books

She wanted to be overwhelmed, even humbled.

The New Yorker

"He wouldn't be overwhelmed by the opportunity.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be overwhelmed", specify the cause to provide context. For example, "be overwhelmed by the workload" instead of simply "be overwhelmed".

Common error

While "be overwhelmed" is acceptable, avoid overuse in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise synonyms like "be burdened", "be inundated", or "be challenged" to convey nuanced meanings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be overwhelmed" primarily functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state or condition of the subject. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates that it is used to depict a feeling of being overpowered or burdened, either emotionally or mentally, as demonstrated by examples such as "I'm going to be overwhelmed with pride and passion".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Wiki

10%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Unknown/unmatched

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be overwhelmed" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a state of being emotionally or mentally overpowered. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. It functions primarily as a predicate adjective, conveying feelings of distress or being overburdened, particularly in News & Media sources. While generally neutral in register, formal writing may benefit from more precise synonyms such as "feel inundated" or "be burdened". When employing the phrase, it's best to specify the cause to provide context. Avoid overusing it in formal writing, and remember that while it describes feeling unable to cope, "be challenged" suggests a difficult but manageable task.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel inundated

Focuses on the feeling of being flooded or swamped with something, often tasks or information.

be swamped

Emphasizes the experience of being extremely busy or having too much to handle.

be overcome

Highlights the emotional aspect of being overpowered by feelings or circumstances.

be overpowered

Implies a loss of control or ability to resist due to external forces.

be crushed

Suggests a more forceful and destructive impact, both emotionally and practically.

feel burdened

Emphasizes the weight or pressure of responsibilities or problems.

be buried

Indicates being completely submerged or hidden by something, like work or problems.

lose control

Focuses on the inability to manage a situation or one's emotions.

crack under pressure

Specifically refers to failing or breaking down due to stress.

be defeated

Suggests being conquered or overcome by a challenge or opponent.

FAQs

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

You can use "be overwhelmed" to describe a state of being emotionally or mentally overpowered by something. For example, "I began to be overwhelmed by a mix of emotions that I couldn't control".

What can I say instead of "be overwhelmed"?

You can use alternatives like "feel inundated", "be swamped", or "be overcome" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "I am overwhelmed" or "I feel overwhelmed"?

Both "I am overwhelmed" and "I feel overwhelmed" are grammatically correct. "I am overwhelmed" is more direct, while "I feel overwhelmed" emphasizes the emotional experience.

What's the difference between "be overwhelmed" and "be challenged"?

"Be overwhelmed" suggests a feeling of being overburdened and potentially unable to cope, while "be challenged" implies facing a difficult task that requires effort and skill.