engulfed in

USAGE SUMMARY

"engulfed in" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone is completely surrounded by or consumed by something, usually figuratively or emotionally. Example: She was suddenly engulfed in sadness, remembering the death of her mother.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ahmed was engulfed in smoke.

Independent

But engulfed in flames.

The Guardian - Sport

At first, visitors are engulfed in babble.

The Economist

The beachhead was engulfed in flame.

The New Yorker

It was engulfed in flames.

The Guardian - Film

I was engulfed in flame. . . .

The New Yorker

I'm totally engulfed in it.

The New York Times

Both are engulfed in flames.

The New York Times

She was engulfed in a fireball.

The New York Times

Five cars were engulfed in flames.

The New York Times

Defoe was engulfed in transfer madness.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "engulfed in", consider the connotations of being overwhelmed or consumed, and choose it when you want to convey that sense of being completely surrounded by something.

Common error

Avoid using "engulfed in" in situations where a simpler, more neutral term like "involved in" or "surrounded by" would suffice. This phrase carries a strong sense of being overwhelmed, so reserve it for situations where that intensity is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "engulfed in" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, describing a state of being completely surrounded or consumed by something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "engulfed in" is a prepositional phrase used to describe a state of being completely surrounded or consumed by something, both physically and emotionally. With a very common usage frequency, it is primarily found in News & Media, as reported by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts but is most effective when conveying intensity and completeness. While versatile, remember to reserve "engulfed in" for contexts where the sense of being overwhelmed is appropriate to avoid overuse in more neutral situations. When aiming for similar meanings, consider alternatives like "immersed in" or "consumed by" to fine-tune the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immersed in

Emphasizes deep involvement or absorption in an activity or state.

consumed by

Highlights the overpowering nature of a feeling or situation, suggesting it dominates one's thoughts or actions.

surrounded by

Focuses on the physical or metaphorical environment enclosing someone or something.

caught up in

Suggests being unexpectedly or unintentionally drawn into a situation or activity.

absorbed in

Implies complete mental or emotional focus on something, often to the exclusion of other things.

lost in

Similar to absorbed in, but can also convey a sense of disorientation or detachment from reality.

overwhelmed by

Indicates being overcome by the intensity or magnitude of something, often a feeling or experience.

submerged in

Conveys the feeling of being deeply covered or enveloped, often in a metaphorical sense.

steeped in

Suggests being saturated or infused with something, often a quality or tradition.

inundated with

Emphasizes being flooded or overwhelmed with a large quantity of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "engulfed in" to describe someone or something completely surrounded or consumed by something else. For example, "The building was "engulfed in flames"" or "She was "engulfed in grief" after hearing the news".

What are some synonyms for "engulfed in"?

Alternatives to "engulfed in" include phrases like "immersed in", "consumed by", or "surrounded by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "engulfed in" a formal or informal phrase?

"Engulfed in" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, it is often found in news reports, literature, and other forms of writing that require vivid language.

What's the difference between "engulfed in" and "involved in"?

"Engulfed in" suggests a more complete and often overwhelming immersion, while "involved in" implies a more general participation or connection. "Engulfed" carries a stronger emotional or physical impact.