it was overrun

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was overrun" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something has been overwhelmed or taken over, often by a large number of people, animals, or things. Example: "The garden was beautiful last summer, but by the end of the season, it was overrun with weeds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

And throughout its run the magazine took it upon itself to defend Chicago from those who claimed it was overrun by crime, it stank, its government was corrupt, its streets were wind-beaten.

The New York Times - Books

It's profane, astringent, defiant and buoyant, much like its home, the East Village, once was before it was overrun with skyscrapers and pinstriped professionals.

The New York Times

The 14th Panzer Division's remaining panzer regiment destroyed a flanking regiment of the Soviet 3rd Guards Cavalry Corps, but its anti-tank artillery suffered heavy casualties when it was overrun by Soviet forces.

Wikipedia

It was overrun with aristolochia.

The New Yorker

Now it was overrun with refugees, spies, and jihadis.

The New Yorker

Sana'a has been under Houthi control since it was overrun in September following fierce fighting.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Well, it's overrun with American tour buses, isn't it?

The Guardian - Travel

It never feels like it's overrun by super-smashed vampire clubbers.

The Guardian - Travel

Tenant Forced Out by Bedbugs Q I have had to move out of my rent-stabilized apartment because it is overrun with bedbugs coming from another tenant's apartment.

The New York Times

Now it's overrun by people moving in from the city," he said, adding that the new folks didn't help his business much.

The Guardian

I think Britain is great, except for it being overrun with immigrants, controlled by Brussels and weakened by the dilution of its snowy white gene pool.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was overrun" to describe a situation where a place or thing has been invaded or overwhelmed by something, such as an army, refugees, or even weeds.

Common error

Avoid using "it was overrun" when a simple 'it was full' or 'it was crowded' would suffice. "Overrun" implies a negative connotation of being invaded or excessively occupied.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was overrun" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject experienced being invaded or overwhelmed by something else. Ludwig AI shows this is commonly used to describe a place or entity losing control to an overwhelming force or presence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

22%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was overrun" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a scenario where something has been invaded or overwhelmed. Ludwig AI confirms this, with many examples taken from reliable sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and Encyclopedia Britannica. While it can be used in both formal and informal contexts, it often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying a loss of control. Consider alternatives such as "it was invaded" or "it was overwhelmed" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was overwhelmed

Highlights the feeling of being burdened beyond capacity.

it was invaded

Focuses specifically on the act of entering a place by force.

it was swamped

Suggests being overloaded, often with tasks or requests.

it was occupied

Focuses on physical control and presence within a space.

it was deluged

Similar to flooded, implying a heavy influx or rush.

it was flooded

Implies an abundance or excessive amount filling a space.

it was saturated

Highlights a state of being completely filled or permeated.

it was besieged

Emphasizes being surrounded and attacked.

it was conquered

Focuses on overcoming and taking control through force or skill.

it was consumed

Indicates being completely used up or destroyed.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was overrun"?

You can use alternatives like "it was invaded", "it was overwhelmed", or "it was occupied" depending on the context.

Is "it was overrun" formal or informal?

The phrase "it was overrun" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it often carries a slightly negative connotation.

What does "it was overrun" imply?

The phrase "it was overrun" implies that something has been invaded, dominated, or overwhelmed, often suggesting a loss of control or a negative impact.

When is it appropriate to use "it was overrun"?

Use "it was overrun" when you want to convey that a place or thing has been excessively occupied or invaded, often resulting in a negative or chaotic situation. For example, "The city "it was overrun" by refugees after the war".