overcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overcome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of successfully dealing with or gaining control over a challenge, obstacle, or difficulty. Example: "She worked hard to overcome her fears and achieve her goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Since its very first exhibition in 2007, Harma Gallery has known great recognition, overcome visitors' expectations and gained popularity and customer loyalty very rapidly.

The Guardian

How do shy students cope with the step-up to university, and how would they advise others to overcome their shyness?

The Guardian

The hardest climbing has only recently weighed into the new grade of 5.15 and then usually for single-rope-length sport climbs, which even then climbers may spend weeks or months attempting to overcome.

The Guardian

Sturgeon now admits that the SNP had not anticipated the pro-UK's side early intervention on the currency and, in the end, lost the referendum after failing to overcome people's fears on the economy.

The Guardian

Joined by the comedian Ruby Wax, now the poster girl for the benefits of mindfulness to overcome mental health problems, politicians including former ministers Lord Haworth and Jim Fitzpatrick straightened their spines and focused on their breath at the launch of an all party group to explore the potential for mindfulness in health, education, criminal justice.

The Guardian

The spirit was unquestionable, yet a combination of a very good Gothenburg side and United's long season was just too much to overcome.

The Guardian - Sport

I've found time and again in my own life that whenever I've overcome fear and been bold enough to go for my dreams the most amazing things have happened.

The Guardian

"It shows how nervous they are of a Labour campaign full of confidence, which is showing that it understands the challenges facing working people and how to overcome them.

The Guardian

The independent Ansys Corporation ran simulations using the design, and although there were modifications required, indicated that the challenges facing Hyperloop were capable of being overcome.

The Guardian

"Congress and Senate need to see this face of homelessness … We must show evidence that the statistics can be overcome and that we are fighting and believing in them to reach that point," says Vachata.

The Guardian - Money

And in Colorado the fiercely anti-immigration conservative and former presidential candidate Ted Tancredo was comfortably overcome by a more moderate former congressman, Bob Beauprez, in the primary to choose the Republican candidate for the state's governor.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "overcome" to convey the idea of successfully dealing with a challenge, obstacle, or difficulty. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being overcome.

Common error

Avoid using "overcome" when a simpler verb like "manage" or "handle" would suffice. "Overcome" implies a significant challenge that requires effort and determination.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "overcome" is as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. It describes the act of successfully dealing with or gaining control over a challenge. As seen in Ludwig, it's used to indicate that a problem was addressed and resolved.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overcome" is a versatile transitive verb that signifies successfully dealing with challenges or obstacles. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it carries a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal communication. When writing, remember that "overcome" implies significant effort and isn't merely a synonym for "manage" or "handle". Consider alternatives like "surmount", "prevail over", or "conquer" to add nuance to your writing. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively use "overcome" to express triumph in the face of adversity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surmount

Focuses on rising above or conquering an obstacle.

prevail over

Emphasizes winning or being victorious against something.

conquer

Suggests a complete victory or mastery over something.

get the better of

Implies outsmarting or defeating someone or something.

rise above

Focuses on transcending or ignoring a negative situation.

defeat

Highlights the act of winning against an opponent or challenge.

master

Indicates gaining comprehensive control or skill in something.

get over

Implies recovering from an emotional or physical setback.

triumph over

Emphasizes a significant victory after a struggle.

subdue

Suggests bringing something under control or suppressing it.

FAQs

How can I use "overcome" in a sentence?

You can use "overcome" to describe successfully dealing with a difficult situation, such as "She worked hard to "overcome" her fears and achieve her goals".

What are some alternatives to "overcome"?

You can use alternatives like "surmount", "prevail over", or "conquer" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "overcome by emotion"?

Yes, "overcome by emotion" is a valid and common usage, indicating that someone is overwhelmed by a strong feeling.

What is the difference between "overcome" and "get over"?

"Overcome" generally refers to conquering an obstacle or challenge, while "get over" often implies recovering from an emotional or physical setback.