engulfing

USAGE SUMMARY

"engulfing" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation in which something covers or embraces something else, usually in an overwhelming way. For example, "The darkness of the night sky was suddenly engulfed by a brilliant moonbeam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These rocky islands, fringed with white beaches and breaking waves, were once part of the same landmass before sea levels rose, engulfing most of it – the "drowned landscape" described by Cornish historian Charles Thomas.

The Guardian - Travel

As he stood on platform two, with rains engulfing the night, this young, slight boy who had yet to even complete his fourth grade made a decision that would change the course of his life for ever.

The Guardian

In normal political systems the controversies engulfing these leaders would in all likelihood result in them either stepping down to spend more time with their families or resignation with ignominy.

The Guardian

In theory public anger over MPs' expenses and the specific scandals engulfing the Robinson political dynasty would tip the odds in favour of him losing his seat.

The Guardian

Though her chapter on the Galapagos islands deserves praise for bringing Darwin to life in deceptively simple language, it contains no mention of the row among fishing interests, travel promoters and conservationists that is now engulfing the islands.

The Economist

Fighting between the army and a resurgent bunch of militias is rapidly engulfing the country's previously pacified eastern Ituri district.

The Economist

And it also offers the faint promise of leading the Middle East away from the violence that has been engulfing it.Must try harder The best reason for wanting the next three months to produce a deal is that the alternatives are so unattractive.

The Economist

The corruption scandals engulfing the ruling Democratic Party underscore the disappointment of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's second and final term.

The Economist

CYNICS in South Korea, and there are many, expect the scandal now engulfing the country's biggest conglomerate, or chaebol, simply to fizzle out.

The Economist

Even a swamp "of international importance" has burned in Trinidad.It was the Amazon blaze, engulfing some 3,250 square kilometres of forest, that aroused the outside world, largely indifferent to human suffering, to the fact of El Niño.

The Economist

Even the arrival of a new king has not stemmed the flood of scandals engulfing Spain's institutions, the latest being the charging of his sister, Princess Cristina, with money-laundering and tax fraud.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "engulfing" to vividly describe situations where something is being completely consumed or overwhelmed, whether physically or metaphorically. For example, a fire "engulfing" a building or a scandal "engulfing" a political figure.

Common error

Avoid using "engulfing" when something is only partially affected. "Engulfing" implies complete coverage or overwhelming involvement; using it for minor impacts weakens the description.

Linguistic Context

The word "engulfing" functions primarily as a present participle, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun or as part of a continuous verb tense. This is supported by Ludwig's examples where it describes a state or action in progress.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "engulfing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used present participle that vividly describes the act of something completely surrounding or consuming something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys a sense of intensity and immediacy, making it suitable for various contexts ranging from news reports to academic analyses. It's most commonly found in News & Media sources. When using "engulfing", ensure it accurately reflects complete coverage and is not misused for partial or minor impacts. Related terms like enveloping, "overwhelming", and "consuming" offer alternative ways to express similar ideas, each with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enveloping

Focuses on the idea of something being completely surrounded or enclosed.

overwhelming

Focuses on the feeling or effect of being intensely affected, rather than the physical act of covering.

inundating

Implies being flooded or overwhelmed with a large amount of something.

consuming

Highlights the idea of something being completely used up or destroyed by a process.

drowning

Suggests being overwhelmed to the point of being unable to cope or survive.

swallowing up

Emphasizes the idea of something disappearing completely within something else.

immersing

Suggests a deep involvement or absorption, similar to being covered by a liquid.

submerging

Implies being completely covered by a liquid or other substance.

enclosing

Highlights the act of something being surrounded or confined within.

overtaking

Emphasizes the idea of something surpassing or overcoming something else, often suddenly.

FAQs

How can I use "engulfing" in a sentence?

"Engulfing" is used to describe something that completely surrounds or consumes something else, whether physically or metaphorically. For example, "The flames were engulfing the building" or "A wave of panic was engulfing the city".

What's the difference between "engulfing" and "enveloping"?

While both words suggest surrounding something, "engulfing" implies a more forceful, consuming action, while "enveloping" suggests a gentler, more encompassing action.

What are some synonyms for "engulfing"?

Synonyms for "engulfing" include "overwhelming", "consuming", "swallowing up", and "enveloping depending on the specific context".

Is "engulfing" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "engulfing" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you want to vividly describe a situation where something is being completely consumed or overwhelmed. It's commonly used in news reports and academic analyses.