consumed by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "consumed by" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a common idiom that means to be overwhelmed or occupied by an emotion or feeling. For example: "The mayor was consumed by guilt after learning the truth of her past decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Fats consumed by Alexander.

The New Yorker

Weekends were consumed by soccer.

The New York Times - Sports

I wasn't consumed by it".

The New York Times

"So we're consumed by that.

The New York Times - Sports

The center was consumed by the fire.

The New York Times

But I was consumed by him.

The New York Times

The 1980s were consumed by leadership struggles.

The Economist

Kellner was still consumed by the case.

The New Yorker

Everything is being consumed by flames.

Independent

And some were consumed by the streets.

The New York Times

The boy was overwrought, consumed by anxiety.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "consumed by" to convey intensity and completeness. It is most effective when describing powerful emotions, significant processes, or extensive utilization.

Common error

Avoid using "consumed by" in overly passive constructions that weaken the sentence. For instance, instead of saying "The resources were consumed by the project", prefer "The project consumed the resources" when the project is the clear active agent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "consumed by" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjectival modifier. It describes a state of being completely overwhelmed or engrossed, linking a subject to a condition or feeling. Ludwig AI's analysis supports this, showcasing its use across varied contexts where a subject is profoundly affected by something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

14%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "consumed by" is a prepositional phrase used to describe a state of being completely overwhelmed or engrossed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly within News & Media. It conveys intensity and totality, making it suitable for descriptive writing where emotional impact is important. While versatile, it's important to consider the context to avoid overly dramatic or passive constructions. Alternatives such as "engrossed in" or "preoccupied with" can offer similar meanings with varying nuances. Its common usage and clear grammatical structure make it a valuable addition to descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

engrossed in

Focuses more on mental absorption rather than complete utilization or destruction.

absorbed in

Similar to engrossed, but can also imply physical absorption.

engulfed by

Suggests being completely surrounded or overwhelmed, often with negative connotations.

preoccupied with

Implies a state of being mentally focused on something, often to the exclusion of other things.

taken over by

Emphasizes the idea of something gaining control or dominance.

obsessed with

Indicates an excessive and often irrational preoccupation.

dominated by

Highlights the aspect of being controlled or ruled by something.

driven by

Implies motivation and direction from an external force or internal desire.

haunted by

Specifically refers to being persistently disturbed or tormented by thoughts or memories.

utilized by

Focuses on the aspect of being used or employed by something.

FAQs

How can I use "consumed by" in a sentence?

Use "consumed by" to indicate that someone or something is completely filled or overwhelmed by a feeling, idea, or process. For example, "She was "consumed by jealousy"" or "The forest was "consumed by fire"".

What's a good alternative to "consumed by" when describing emotional states?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "engrossed in", "preoccupied with", or "obsessed with" to convey similar meanings. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to express.

Is "consumed by" too dramatic for everyday writing?

While "consumed by" can be impactful, it's not always the best choice for casual contexts. Consider the intensity of the situation you're describing. If a more understated tone is appropriate, alternatives like "absorbed in" or "focused on" may be more suitable.

What is the difference between "consumed by" and "driven by"?

"Consumed by" suggests being overwhelmed or completely taken over by something, often an emotion. "Driven by", on the other hand, implies being motivated or propelled by something. For instance, someone might be "consumed by grief" but "driven by ambition".