he was consumed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was consumed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is overwhelmed or deeply affected by something, such as emotions or thoughts. Example: "After the tragic news, he was consumed by grief and could hardly function."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

"He was consumed with winning".

The New York Times - Sports

He was "consumed with reading".

The New Yorker

He was consumed with righteous anger.

The Guardian

He was consumed with wondering how others thought of him.

The Guardian

He was consumed by a compulsion to be helpful.

The New Yorker

Even in class, or during down time, he was consumed with basketball, with the run.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

He can't stop thinking about you—he is consumed by thoughts of you.

WikiHow

He is consumed by the challenges it presents.

The New York Times

He is consumed by anger, "solid and opaque".

The Economist

He is consumed by the faltering mechanics of the season.

The New York Times - Sports

And he is consumed with hatred for America.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he was consumed" to vividly portray a character's intense emotional or mental state, ensuring the context clearly indicates what is dominating their thoughts or feelings.

Common error

Avoid using "he was consumed" in situations that require a neutral or objective tone. This phrase is best suited for describing intense internal experiences, not everyday activities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was consumed" primarily functions as a descriptor, indicating a state where an individual is completely dominated or overwhelmed by a feeling, thought, or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form, as exemplified by the numerous instances found in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he was consumed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a state of being overwhelmed or deeply engrossed. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and prevalence across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While the phrase is generally considered neutral, it is advisable to avoid overuse in purely objective or unemotional writing. Alternatives such as "he was engrossed" or "he was overwhelmed" can provide nuanced variations of meaning. The key is to ensure the context clearly supports the use of such a powerful descriptor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was overwhelmed

Indicates being overpowered, often by emotions or tasks, similar to being consumed but less intense.

he was engrossed

Focuses on deep mental involvement, differing from "he was consumed" which can imply emotional or physical overwhelm.

he was absorbed

Similar to immersed, but emphasizes intellectual or attentional focus rather than emotional.

he was immersed

Describes being deeply involved in something, like an activity or environment, differing slightly in focus from being emotionally consumed.

he was gripped

Indicates being tightly held by something, often fear or excitement, adding a sense of intensity.

he was preoccupied

Implies a state of being mentally occupied, differing from the more intense emotional state of being consumed.

he was captivated

Suggests being charmed or fascinated, a specific type of being consumed by interest.

he was ruled by

Highlights the controlling influence of something, shifting the focus from internal state to external control.

he was obsessed

Implies an unhealthy preoccupation, stronger and more negative than simply being consumed.

he was dominated by

Stronger than ruled by, suggesting complete control by an external force or emotion.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "he was consumed"?

It means the person was overwhelmed, deeply affected, or completely preoccupied by something, such as an emotion, idea, or activity. The intensity of this phrase suggests a significant impact on the individual's thoughts and actions.

How can I use "he was consumed" in a sentence?

Use "he was consumed" to describe a state of intense focus, emotion, or preoccupation. For example, "He was consumed with grief after the loss of his friend" or "He was consumed by his ambition to become a successful entrepreneur."

What can I say instead of "he was consumed"?

You can use alternatives like "he was engrossed", "he was overwhelmed", or "he was absorbed" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "he was consumed by" something?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The preposition "by" is typically used after "consumed" to indicate what the person was consumed with. For example, "He was consumed by his passion for music."