engulfed

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "engulfed" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is completely surrounded by or overwhelmed with something else. For example, "The river was completely engulfed with thick, green algae".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

El Hatillo is becoming engulfed by Caracas but maintains its 16th-century charm.

The Guardian - Travel

Engulfed by reporters and photographers, he said he was pleased he had enjoyed "a dignified return to Britain" and asked that the "injustice and abuse of process" ends with a fair trial and some "breathing space to work on the case".

The Guardian - Business

And some experts see Iran's hands in the Houthi rebellion that has engulfed Yemen.

The Guardian - Opinion

The bond markets took fright, pushing up the risk premiums on Greek borrowing to exorbitant levels and triggering a spiral of panic and brinkmanship that engulfed Ireland and Portugal and exposed the flimsy foundations of the common currency.

The Guardian - Business

Almost one year after flames engulfed Charles Rennie Mackintosh's masterpiece, destroying students' work moments before the degree show and leaving the world's architectural community speechless, as if they had lost a dear old friend, work has just begun on the problem of how to rebuild it.

The Guardian - Arts

But the UKIP, which has been engulfed in personality quarrels of its own since unexpectedly winning three seats in the European parliament elections last June, said it has held talks with a number of Conservatives who are becoming increasingly disenchanted with the Hague policy of "in Europe, not run by Europe".

The Guardian

But it has never before found itself dragged into a corruption scandal of the magnitude of that which has engulfed Fifa during the past two weeks.

The Guardian - Sport

When Ramírez swept the ball into the Hungarian net in the 64th minute of their opening match of the tournament, he charged away in uncontainable ecstasy before eventually being engulfed by four equally delighted team-mates.

The Guardian - Sport

A polite distance away, Boston House, sleeping four, is basic but romantic and engulfed in flowers.

The Guardian - Travel

Lennon, more than anybody, knew the size of the firestorm that would have engulfed him had victory not been secured in the Highlands.

The Guardian - Sport

Until lasting peace is established in countries that are engulfed in conflict, mass migration will continue to take place, forcing migrants to take dangerous risks in the hope of finding a safe haven, said Türk.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "engulfed" to vividly describe something being completely surrounded or overcome, whether physically or metaphorically. Ensure the context aligns with the intensity of the word, as it suggests a powerful and often all-encompassing experience.

Common error

Avoid using "engulfed" to describe scenarios that are only mildly overwhelming. The word carries a strong connotation of being completely consumed, so reserve it for situations where the sense of being surrounded or overcome is significant. Opt for words like "surrounded" or "involved" for less intense scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The word "engulfed" functions primarily as a verb, specifically the past participle or past tense of "engulf". It describes the action of something being completely surrounded or overwhelmed. As Ludwig indicates, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "engulfed" is a verb form used to describe the state of being completely surrounded or overwhelmed. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is grammatically correct and versatile, suitable for various writing styles, particularly in news, formal, and scientific contexts. It effectively communicates a sense of being consumed or overpowered, whether literally or figuratively. When choosing alternative phrases, consider the specific nuance you want to convey, such as "submerged" for physical immersion or "overwhelmed" for emotional impact. The best practice is to reserve "engulfed" for situations where the sense of being surrounded or overcome is significant, avoiding its overuse in milder scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

submerged

Implies being completely covered or immersed in a liquid or something else that surrounds.

immersed

Suggests deep involvement or absorption, often in a figurative sense.

overwhelmed

Indicates being overpowered or overcome by a large amount of something, either physically or emotionally.

consumed

Suggests being completely taken over or destroyed by something, often with negative connotations.

swallowed up

Implies being completely taken in or absorbed, often without a trace.

enveloped

Suggests being completely surrounded or enclosed, often in a protective or comforting way.

drowned

Implies being overwhelmed by a liquid or by something figurative, leading to a loss of control or destruction.

buried

Indicates being covered or concealed by something, often with the implication of being hidden or forgotten.

absorbed

Suggests being completely taken in or assimilated, often referring to information or ideas.

lost in

Implies being deeply involved or absorbed in something, often to the exclusion of other things.

FAQs

How can I use "engulfed" in a sentence?

You can use "engulfed" to describe something completely surrounded or overcome by something else, for example: "The city was "engulfed" by flames", or "She was "engulfed" in her work".

What's the difference between "engulfed" and "surrounded"?

"Engulfed" suggests a more complete and often overwhelming sense of being surrounded, implying a loss of control or being consumed. "Surrounded", on the other hand, simply means being enclosed on all sides without necessarily implying the same intensity.

What can I say instead of "engulfed"?

You can use alternatives like "submerged", "immersed", or "overwhelmed" depending on the specific context.

Is "engulfed" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "engulfed" is suitable for formal writing. It is a descriptive and precise word that can add impact to your writing, especially when describing situations of being overcome or consumed.