being overcome with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being overcome with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being overwhelmed by emotions or sensations, such as joy, sadness, or fear. Example: "She was being overcome with joy when she heard the news of her promotion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

In it, she describes being overcome with the fumes from the oil that coated the water.

The New York Times

Both of my friends, Chris and Henry, had turned their backs to me, and I remember being overcome with confusion.

The Guardian

As crude prices once more trade around the $50 mark, there is a feeling that hurdles are being overcome with regularity over recent months.

The Guardian - Business

Others spoke of being overcome with an uncontrollable rage, which, of course, would get them bounced right back into solitary once they got out.

The New York Times

Instead of being overcome with sentiment both drivers looked forward to a brave new world in the sport, one not dominated by a single team, which has been the case with Mercedes this year.

The Guardian - Sport

All preposterously melodramatic and I remember my mother, as she evoked this scene she'd first read some seventy years earlier, being overcome with gentle laughter that was nonetheless so irrepressible it brought tears to her eyes.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Frank is overcome with admiration.

The New Yorker

"I was overcome with emotion," she said.

The New York Times

Suddenly Mrs. Bagot is overcome with sleepiness.

The New Yorker

I was overcome with emotion.

The New York Times

He was overcome with guilt.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "being overcome with", ensure that the emotion or sensation is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "being overcome with grief" is more specific than "being overcome with emotion."

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice with "being overcome with" when a more direct and active construction would be clearer and more impactful. Instead of "He was being overcome with sadness", consider "Sadness overcame him".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being overcome with" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a state of experiencing or succumbing to a powerful emotion or sensation. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

21%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "being overcome with" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the experience of being overwhelmed by a particular emotion or sensation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a versatile phrase found across various contexts, especially in News & Media. While alternatives like "being overwhelmed by" or "being consumed by" exist, "being overcome with" maintains a distinct nuance and formality. It's important to use this phrase judiciously, ensuring the emotion or sensation is clearly defined and avoiding overuse of the passive voice for a more impactful writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being overwhelmed by

Replaces 'overcome' with 'overwhelmed', focusing on the intensity of the feeling.

being consumed by

Suggests a more complete absorption by the feeling.

being inundated with

Implies a flood or overwhelming amount of something.

being seized by

Indicates a sudden and forceful onset of a feeling.

being gripped by

Conveys a strong hold or control exerted by the feeling.

being besieged by

Similar to inundated, but can suggest a more negative or forceful experience.

succumbing to

Emphasizes yielding or giving in to the feeling.

falling prey to

Suggests a vulnerability and helplessness in the face of the feeling.

yielding to

Similar to succumbing, but perhaps with less negative connotation.

being overpowered by

Highlights the strength of the feeling and the individual's inability to resist it.

FAQs

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

You can use "being overcome with" to describe a state of being overwhelmed by a strong emotion or sensation. For example, "She was being overcome with joy at the news" or "He was being overcome with fatigue after the race".

What are some alternatives to "being overcome with"?

Some alternatives include "being overwhelmed by", "being consumed by", or "succumbing to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "being overcome with emotion" or specify the emotion?

While "being overcome with emotion" is grammatically correct, specifying the emotion (e.g., "being overcome with joy", "being overcome with sadness") provides more clarity and impact to your writing.

How does "being overcome with" differ from "overcome by"?

"Being overcome with" is a continuous or ongoing state of being overwhelmed, whereas "overcome by" suggests a more sudden or completed action. For example, "She was being overcome with emotion" suggests a gradual process, while "She was overcome by emotion" implies a more immediate experience.