he is overcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is overcome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is emotionally or physically overwhelmed by a situation or feeling. Example: "When he heard the news of his promotion, he is overcome with joy and disbelief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

He is overcome.

The New Yorker

Staring at Angie's waxy, serious face, he is overcome by a flood of memories.

The New Yorker

At once he is overcome by despair and tenderly clasps her dying shadow.

The New York Times - Arts

He is overcome by a sense of awe and the pages fall from his hands.

The Guardian - Books

When Wolf finally sees Virginia, he is overcome with deeply conflicted desire.

The New York Times

When he sees her dancing with the Drum Major at the beer garden, he is overcome with rage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

He believes he is overcoming his demons, though he suspects they may never leave him.

The Guardian

Or he was overcome by listmania.

The New York Times - Sports

He was overcome with guilt.

The New Yorker

"He's overcome a lot," Joe Newell said.

The New York Times

When he came to, he was overcome with shame.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is overcome" to vividly describe a character's emotional or physical state when they are intensely affected by something. For example: "He is overcome with grief" shows a stronger emotional impact than simply saying "He is sad".

Common error

Avoid using "he is overcome" in everyday situations where a simpler expression would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound melodramatic or insincere. Reserve it for moments of genuine intensity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is overcome" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that a male subject is experiencing an intense emotional or physical state. It emphasizes a sense of being overwhelmed or overpowered by something, as showcased in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he is overcome" is a versatile expression used to depict a state of being intensely affected by emotion or force. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It frequently appears in "News & Media", encyclopedias, and to a lesser extent, in scientific writing. When using this phrase, consider the intensity of the situation to avoid sounding melodramatic. Alternatives such as "he is overwhelmed" or "he is engulfed" can offer similar meanings. Understanding the nuances and appropriate contexts will enhance your writing and allow you to effectively convey the depth of a character's experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is overwhelmed

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of being inundated by emotions or events.

he is engulfed

This suggests being completely surrounded or consumed by a feeling or situation.

he is seized

This conveys a sudden and powerful taking over by a feeling or force.

he is consumed

This highlights the completeness of being taken over by something.

he is overpowered

This suggests being defeated or subdued by an external force or emotion.

he is conquered

This implies being completely subdued or defeated, often in an emotional sense.

he is subdued

This indicates a state of being quieted or brought under control.

he is affected

This is a more general term, indicating that he has been influenced or touched by something.

he is moved

This implies being emotionally touched or affected by something.

he is gripped

This suggests being tightly held or affected by a strong emotion or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "he is overcome" in a sentence?

You can use "he is overcome" to describe a character's emotional or physical state when they are intensely affected by something. For example, "After winning the competition, "he is overcome" with joy".

What are some alternatives to "he is overcome"?

Some alternatives include "he is overwhelmed", "he is engulfed", or "he is moved", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "he is overcome" formal or informal?

"He is overcome" is generally considered neutral in register, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it tends to be used more often in descriptive or narrative writing.

What does it mean when someone says "he is overcome"?

When someone says ""he is overcome"", it means that the person is intensely affected by an emotion, sensation, or force, to the point where it's difficult for them to maintain composure or control.