it was overflowing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was overflowing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something is filled beyond its capacity, often referring to liquids or emotions. Example: "The river had risen so high after the storm that it was overflowing its banks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

What is now Washington Square was only about half its present size in the 1810's, when it was overflowing as a burial place for the indigent.

The New York Times

"It was overflowing the stream bed.

The New York Times

"But it was overflowing with patients, and there weren't enough doctors".

The Guardian

Befitting the only media event of Tyson's week in the Memphis area, it was overflowing with television minicams, hangers-on and reporters.

The New York Times - Sports

One Saturday last April, it was overflowing with fruit, tulips, herbs and those prize heralds of spring, morels and asparagus, to say nothing of eager customers.

The New York Times - Travel

When we got to the refreshment room, it was overflowing with sailors!

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

When I understood it was true, I was overflowing with happiness".

The New York Times - Magazine

Contemporary American literature is heavily populated with victims; it is overflowing with outrage.

The New York Times - Books

It is overflowing with sets of matching wicker loveseats, tables and chairs, natural and painted.

The New York Times - Arts

But it's overflowing with people: young comrades supposedly guarding it, officials organizing it, women running it.

The New York Times - Magazine

That gives the N.H.L. something else to think about on a day when it is overflowing with decisions on Sunday's miscreants.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was overflowing" to vividly describe situations where something exceeds its capacity, whether it's a container, a space, or even emotions. This phrase adds a sense of intensity and excess to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it was overflowing" to describe situations that don't involve a limited capacity. For example, instead of saying "the sky was overflowing with stars", use a phrase like "the sky was filled with stars" to maintain clarity and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was overflowing" functions as an independent clause, typically serving as the main component of a sentence. It describes a past state where something exceeded its capacity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used and understood.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

HuffPost

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

The New Yorker

3%

The Guardian

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was overflowing" functions as an independent clause used to describe a past state of exceeding capacity. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and relatively common, appearing frequently in news and media sources. While its register is neutral, it is often employed to create a vivid and descriptive image. Remember to consider the context and ensure that the object in question has a definable capacity or limit to avoid misuse. Alternatives like "it was spilling over" or "it was brimming over" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was brimming over

Emphasizes a fullness that is just about to spill over, suggesting a higher degree of fullness.

it was running over

Describes liquid exceeding its limits.

it was spilling over

Highlights the action of exceeding capacity and liquid is running over the edge.

it was bursting at the seams

Suggests a state of extreme fullness and potential breakage.

it was flooded

Implies that something was covered with an excessive amount of liquid.

it was inundated

Suggests being overwhelmed with something, not necessarily liquid.

it was saturated

Highlights the idea of complete absorption or permeation.

it was abundant

Focuses on the plentiful nature of something, rather than exceeding a container's limit.

it was packed

Describes a state of being completely full with no room for more, usually with solids.

it was teeming

Indicates a state of being full of living things.

FAQs

How can I use "it was overflowing" in a sentence?

Use "it was overflowing" to describe situations where something is filled beyond its capacity. For example, "The bathtub "it was overflowing" because the drain was clogged", or "Her heart "it was overflowing" with joy when she saw her family".

What are some alternatives to "it was overflowing"?

Alternatives include "it was spilling over", "it was brimming over", or "it was bursting at the seams". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "it is overflowing" instead of "it was overflowing"?

Both are correct, but "it is overflowing" describes a present condition, while "it was overflowing" describes a past condition. For example, "The sink "it is overflowing" now" versus "The sink "it was overflowing" earlier today".

When should I use "overflowed" instead of "it was overflowing"?

"Overflowed" is the simple past tense verb, while "it was overflowing" is the past continuous tense. Use "overflowed" to describe a completed action in the past (e.g., "The river overflowed its banks"). Use "it was overflowing" to describe an ongoing state in the past (e.g., "The river "it was overflowing" for several days due to heavy rain").