is overwhelmed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is overwhelmed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being emotionally or mentally overloaded, often due to stress or excessive demands. Example: "After working long hours on the project, she is overwhelmed by the amount of work still left to do."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gil is overwhelmed.

The New Yorker

No one is overwhelmed.

The New York Times - Sports

The port is overwhelmed.

The New York Times

It is overwhelmed with requests.

The Guardian - Tech

The screenplay is overwhelmed by exposition.

The Guardian - Film

She is overwhelmed, exclaiming: "This whole story!

The New York Times

Granted, the N.C.A.A. is overwhelmed these days.

The New York Times - Sports

He is overwhelmed by the change.

The Guardian

Instead he is overwhelmed by the babble of their voices".

Independent

In the swirl of the city Khosi is overwhelmed.

The New York Times - Books

Other days, Alex is overwhelmed by his injuries.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is overwhelmed", ensure the context clearly specifies what is causing the feeling of being overwhelmed. For instance, "She is overwhelmed by the sheer volume of data" provides more clarity than simply "She is overwhelmed."

Common error

Avoid using "is overwhelmed" as a vague description of stress. Instead of saying "He is overwhelmed with life", specify the exact stressors: "He is overwhelmed by the pressures of work and family responsibilities."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is overwhelmed" functions as a stative verb phrase, indicating a state of being overpowered or burdened emotionally or mentally. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in describing such states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Huffington Post

6%

BBC

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is overwhelmed" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a state of being overpowered, burdened, or unable to cope with something. As Ludwig confirms, it is used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific domains. While it's a versatile phrase, it's important to provide context to specify what is causing the feeling of being overwhelmed. Alternatives such as "is inundated" or "is overcome" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Avoid using "is overwhelmed" as a vague term; be specific about the source of the stress or burden.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is overpowered

Directly implies being subdued or dominated by something, closely reflecting the sense of being overwhelmed.

is inundated

Focuses on being flooded or swamped with something, similar to being overwhelmed but emphasizing the quantity or volume.

is overcome

Implies being conquered or subdued by a feeling or situation, sharing the sense of being overpowered.

is overburdened

Highlights the weight of excessive burdens or responsibilities, akin to being overwhelmed by demands.

is snowed under

An idiomatic expression suggesting being buried or excessively occupied with tasks or information.

is buried

Indicates being concealed or submerged by something, often implying being overwhelmed by quantity or complexity.

is besieged

Conveys being surrounded or attacked by something, evoking a sense of pressure and being overwhelmed.

is crushed

Suggests being severely affected or defeated by something, sharing the feeling of being overpowered.

is distraught

Emphasizes emotional distress and agitation, similar to feeling overwhelmed by intense emotions.

is defeated

Highlights a sense of failure or being overcome by adversity, akin to being overwhelmed by challenges.

FAQs

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

You can use "is overwhelmed" to describe someone's emotional or mental state when they feel burdened or overpowered by something. For example, "She "is overwhelmed" by the amount of work she has to do."

What are some alternatives to "is overwhelmed"?

Some alternatives include "is inundated", "is overcome", or "is overburdened", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I am overwhelmed" or should it be "I am overwhelming"?

"I am overwhelmed" is correct when describing your own state of feeling burdened. "I am overwhelming" means you are causing others to feel overwhelmed, which has a different meaning.

What's the difference between "is overwhelmed" and "is stressed"?

"Is stressed" generally refers to experiencing mental or emotional strain. "Is overwhelmed" suggests a feeling of being completely overcome by something, often to the point of being unable to cope.