engulfed in something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "engulfed in something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is completely surrounded or overwhelmed by a particular feeling, situation, or substance. Example: "She felt engulfed in sadness after hearing the news of her friend's departure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The ordinary matter of the universe, astronomers say, is engulfed in clouds of dark matter of unknown composition or origin, which in turn is engulfed in something called dark energy, which may be wrenching space apart, in an einsteinianly plausible way.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Gradually, you are engulfed in mysteries of painting and of something else supremely indefinite — something about existence...Except in the smallest formats, Chardin's brushwork usually resolves into passing verisimilitude only at distances of between six and ten feet.

The New Yorker

He was engulfed in a black bath of "something like Xerox toner," he said, unable to breathe.

The New York Times

"After being engulfed in hopelessness, we now have an opportunity to think about creating something new down here," she said.

The New York Times

But, of course, Prohibition didn't seem frivolous at the time — if the comparison to abolitionism seems bizarre today, that should tell us something about how difficult it is to make accurate historical judgments when we are engulfed in debate.

The New Yorker

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "engulfed in something" to vividly describe situations where someone or something is completely surrounded or overcome by a particular element, emotion, or circumstance. This can add depth and intensity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "engulfed in something" excessively in formal or technical writing where a more precise or neutral term might be more appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "engulfed in something" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of being completely surrounded or overwhelmed. Ludwig AI shows its usage in contexts ranging from physical engulfment to emotional or abstract states, enhancing descriptive writing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "engulfed in something" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe a state of being completely surrounded or overwhelmed. According to Ludwig AI, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, serving to add intensity and vivid imagery to descriptions. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in formal settings where more precise language may be necessary. Related alternatives include "immersed in something" and "consumed by something", offering similar but nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immersed in something

Focuses on deep involvement or absorption, similar to being surrounded but with an emphasis on engagement.

consumed by something

Suggests a complete absorption or domination, often implying a negative or overwhelming effect.

absorbed in something

Implies a state of being deeply engaged and focused, losing awareness of the surroundings.

wrapped up in something

Indicates being preoccupied or heavily involved in a situation or activity.

caught up in something

Suggests being unintentionally drawn into a situation or activity.

lost in something

Emphasizes a sense of disorientation or detachment from reality due to deep involvement.

steeped in something

Implies being saturated or deeply influenced by a particular atmosphere or quality.

drowned in something

Conveys a sense of being overwhelmed by a large quantity or intensity of something.

submerged in something

Suggests being completely covered or hidden by something, often with a sense of being overwhelmed.

inundated with something

Implies being flooded or overwhelmed with a large quantity of something, often causing difficulties.

FAQs

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

You can use "engulfed in something" to describe a situation where someone or something is completely surrounded or overwhelmed. For example: "The city was "engulfed in darkness" during the blackout."

What are some alternatives to "engulfed in something"?

Alternatives include "immersed in something", "consumed by something", or "absorbed in something", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "engulfed by something" instead of "engulfed in something"?

While "engulfed in something" is more common, "engulfed by something" is also grammatically correct. The choice depends on stylistic preference and the specific context.

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

"Engulfed in" suggests a more intense and complete covering or overwhelming experience compared to "surrounded by", which simply indicates being enclosed on all sides.