is overcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is overcome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something has been defeated, conquered, or surpassed by a particular challenge or emotion. Example: "She felt a wave of sadness as she realized she is overcome by grief after the loss of her friend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr Trump is overcome.

Independent

Don Quixote is overcome.

The New York Times - Arts

Frank is overcome with admiration.

The New Yorker

He, too, is overcome.

The New York Times

He is overcome.

The New Yorker

When this resistance is overcome, illness ensues.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Suddenly Mrs. Bagot is overcome with sleepiness.

The New Yorker

Addams is overcome with emotion.

The New York Times - Magazine

Light is overcome by blackness.

Harvard University

Babe Baby is overcome with laughter.

The New Yorker

Even death is overcome by Houdini's powers.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is overcome by" when specifying the cause or source of being overcome (e.g., "is overcome by emotion").

Common error

Avoid using "is overcome" with inanimate subjects when describing emotions or feelings. While it's acceptable to say "Light is overcome by darkness", it's incorrect to say "The problem is overcome with sadness". Instead, use phrases like "is solved" or "is addressed" for inanimate subjects facing challenges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is overcome" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating a state where a subject has been conquered, overwhelmed, or surpassed by something. According to Ludwig AI, the examples show its diverse usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is overcome" is a versatile passive verb phrase used to describe a state of being conquered or overwhelmed. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and frequently used across a variety of contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. While its register leans toward neutral to formal, its specific meaning and impact can vary based on the context. Common errors involve misusing it with inanimate subjects when describing emotions. Understanding these nuances can improve the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is overwhelmed

Focuses on the feeling of being intensely affected or overpowered by emotions or circumstances.

is defeated

Indicates a state of being beaten or conquered, emphasizing the loss or failure.

is conquered

Suggests a complete victory or subjugation, highlighting the act of overcoming resistance.

is triumphed over

Similar to 'prevailed over' but with a stronger sense of victory and celebration.

is surpassed

Implies exceeding or going beyond a limit or expectation, indicating superiority or advancement.

is prevailed over

Emphasizes winning or succeeding against opposition, suggesting a triumphant outcome.

is subdued

Suggests a state of being brought under control or suppressed, often after a struggle.

is mastered

Highlights the achievement of skill or control over something difficult, emphasizing proficiency.

is thwarted

Indicates that something has been prevented from succeeding, highlighting the frustration of plans.

is checked

Suggests a halt or restriction in progress, implying a temporary or permanent obstacle.

FAQs

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

"Is overcome" can be used to describe someone or something being defeated, conquered, or overwhelmed. For example, "She "is overcome" with emotion", or "The technical issue "is overcome" by a software patch".

What are some alternatives to "is overcome"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "is defeated", "is overwhelmed", or "is surmounted" instead of "is overcome".

Is it correct to say "I am overcome from happiness"?

While understandable, it's more grammatically sound to say "I "am overcome with happiness"". The preposition "with" is typically used to specify the emotion or feeling.

What is the difference between "is overcome" and "is overcoming"?

"Is overcome" describes a state of being, where someone or something has already been conquered or overwhelmed. "Is overcoming", on the other hand, describes a process of actively conquering or prevailing over something.