engulfed by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "engulfed by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is completely surrounded or overwhelmed by something else, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The town was engulfed by the floodwaters, leaving many residents stranded."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Passersby were engulfed by clouds of debris.

The New Yorker

Then Brazil was suddenly engulfed by protests.

The Economist

Here all that is engulfed by chocolate.

The New York Times - Food

The world is engulfed by darkness.

The Guardian - Books

One is simply engulfed by it".

The Guardian - Music

How had it become engulfed by tumult instead?

The New York Times

It is not a world you are engulfed by.

The New York Times

Now, the terraces are abandoned, engulfed by the forest.

The New York Times - Food

"If something is huge, people can become engulfed by it.

Independent

Hilarious scenes as they were engulfed by flames.

The Guardian - Tech

Not long afterwards, the pair were engulfed by the crowd.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "engulfed by" to vividly describe a situation where something is completely surrounded or overwhelmed by something else, enhancing the imagery and emotional impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive constructions with "engulfed by". While grammatically correct, too many passive sentences can make your writing sound weak. Opt for active voice where appropriate to create a more direct and engaging style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "engulfed by" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. It describes a state of being completely surrounded or overwhelmed, often emphasizing a powerful or consuming force, as demonstrated by Ludwig in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "engulfed by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that effectively conveys the sense of being completely surrounded or overwhelmed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reliable sources, primarily in News & Media and Science, indicating its versatility and broad applicability. While maintaining a neutral register, it can add vivid imagery and emotional depth to writing. Remember to be mindful of passive voice and explore related phrases to enhance your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overwhelmed by

Focuses on the emotional or mental impact of being overpowered, whereas "engulfed by" implies a physical or sensory experience.

consumed by

Emphasizes the complete absorption or destruction of something, which can be more intense than simply being "engulfed by".

surrounded by

Indicates a state of being enclosed or encircled, lacking the intensity of being consumed or overcome as "engulfed by" suggests.

drowned in

Conveys a sense of being overwhelmed to the point of helplessness, similar to "engulfed by" but with a stronger emphasis on the negative consequences.

submerged in

Implies being covered or flooded, often with a liquid or other substance, while "engulfed by" has a broader range of application.

immersed in

Suggests a deep involvement or absorption, often in a positive or voluntary way, unlike the potentially negative or involuntary connotation of "engulfed by".

besieged by

Implies being surrounded by something hostile or troublesome, adding a sense of threat not necessarily present in "engulfed by".

inundated with

Focuses on receiving an excessive amount of something, typically information or requests, differing from the broader sense of being surrounded or overwhelmed by something in "engulfed by".

enveloped in

Suggests a gentle and complete covering, contrasting with the potentially forceful or destructive sense of "engulfed by".

encompassed by

Indicates being completely included or surrounded, lacking the element of being overpowered present in "engulfed by".

FAQs

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

You can use "engulfed by" to describe something completely surrounded or overwhelmed. For example, "The city was "engulfed by" floodwaters" or "His mind was "engulfed by" despair".

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

"Surrounded by" implies being enclosed, while "engulfed by" suggests being completely overwhelmed or consumed. "Engulfed by" carries a stronger sense of being overpowered than "surrounded by".

What are some synonyms for "engulfed by"?

Synonyms for "engulfed by" include "overwhelmed by", "consumed by", "immersed in", and "submerged in", depending on the context.

Is "engulfed by" formal or informal?

"Engulfed by" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. It's a versatile phrase that can be used in various contexts, from news reports to personal narratives.