descended on

USAGE SUMMARY

"descended on" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something or someone arriving suddenly or unexpectedly, often in a dramatic or overwhelming manner. Example: "The storm descended on the town, leaving destruction in its wake." Alternative expressions include "swooped down on" and "fell upon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Trouble descended on cities as well.

The Economist

A year later fortune descended on Boston.

The New York Times

Reporters descended on Cape Canaveral, Fla.

The New York Times

"A monumental sadness descended on me.

The New York Times - Books

Great violence descended on the country.

The New York Times - Books

The health department descended on our facility.

The New York Times

Israeli forensic experts descended on the scene.

The New York Times

A pall descended on Sunday's convocation.

The New Yorker

Quiet descended on the stadium.

The New York Times - Sports

Within hours, reporters descended on the Grand Hotel Billia.

The New York Times - Sports

NEW ORLEANS — The city descended on Bourbon Street.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "descended on" to vividly depict the sudden and often overwhelming arrival of people, objects, or abstract concepts like silence or gloom. This phrase is effective for creating a dramatic or impactful image in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "descended on" in passive constructions where the subject receiving the action is unclear or weak. For example, instead of "It was descended on by the crowd", prefer "The crowd descended on it" for clearer and more impactful writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "descended on" functions as a phrasal verb, typically used to describe the act of a group of people or things arriving suddenly and often unexpectedly at a place. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts ranging from reporters arriving at a scene to abstract concepts like sadness affecting a mood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "descended on" is a versatile phrasal verb used to depict the sudden and often overwhelming arrival of individuals, groups, or even abstract concepts. It is grammatically correct and most frequently found in News & Media contexts. While alternatives like "pounced on" or "swarmed over" exist, "descended on" provides a specific nuance of sudden impact. Use it in active voice for maximum clarity. Ludwig's analysis, consistent with multiple examples from varied authoritative sources, confirms that "descended on" is a well-established and effective way to convey a dramatic arrival.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pounced on

Implies a sudden and aggressive attack or seizing of an opportunity.

swarmed over

Suggests a large group moving quickly to surround or cover something.

converged upon

Indicates a gathering or meeting at a specific point, often intentionally.

fell upon

Similar to "descended on" but can also imply an attack or negative impact.

raided

Implies a sudden and forceful entry, often with the intention of searching or seizing something.

overwhelmed

Focuses on the feeling of being overpowered or inundated by something.

flooded

Suggests a large quantity arriving, often unexpectedly.

overran

Indicates a rapid spread or occupation of an area.

invaded

Implies a hostile entry and takeover.

thronged to

Indicates a large crowd moving towards a specific location.

FAQs

How can I use "descended on" in a sentence?

You can use "descended on" to describe a sudden arrival or impact, such as "Reporters "descended on" the scene after the accident" or "A feeling of sadness "descended on" the room".

What are some alternatives to "descended on"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "pounced on", "swarmed over", or "converged upon" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "was descended on"?

While grammatically possible, passive constructions like "was descended on" can be less impactful. It's often better to use the active voice: "The crowd "descended on" the building" is stronger than "The building was "descended on" by the crowd".

How does "descended on" differ from "landed on"?

"Landed on" typically refers to a physical arrival or decision, while ""descended on"" implies a more dramatic, overwhelming, or sudden arrival or impact. For example, "The plane "landed on" the runway," but "The media "descended on" the town after the scandal".