overcome by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overcome by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is overwhelmed or affected strongly by a feeling or circumstance. Example: "She was overcome by emotion during the heartfelt speech."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Instead, I was overcome by sweeping generalities.

The New York Times

He drank his when overcome by emotion".

The New Yorker

Then she paused, momentarily overcome by emotion.

The New Yorker

Somewhat astonished, I was overcome by curiosity.

Independent

Or he was overcome by listmania.

The New York Times - Sports

These disadvantages are overcome by vegetative propagation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But it was then overcome by bickering.

The Economist

I feel overcome by sadness and love.

Independent

"I was just so overcome by her".

The New York Times - Health

She was overcome by emotion.

The New Yorker

Others were overcome by emotion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a powerful emotional experience, use "overcome by" to convey the intensity of the feeling. For instance, "She was overcome by grief at the news."

Common error

Avoid using "overcome by" when you mean to express active effort or achievement. Incorrect: "She overcame by her fear." Correct: "She overcame her fear."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overcome by" functions as a passive construction, indicating that someone or something is affected or overwhelmed by a particular force, feeling, or circumstance. Ludwig confirms this usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

11%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "overcome by" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the state of being overwhelmed or strongly affected by something, whether it's an emotion, a situation, or an external force. Ludwig confirms that its frequency is very common and it’s predominantly found in news and media, science, and encyclopedic sources. While alternatives like "overwhelmed by" and "affected by" exist, it's important to use "overcome by" in passive constructions and avoid confusing it with active voice usage. Remember this is based on the information provided by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overwhelmed by

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of being overpowered by something, particularly emotions or circumstances. It maintains the core meaning with a slight variation in emphasis.

affected by

This is a more general term that indicates being influenced or impacted by something. It lacks the intensity of "overcome by" but is a viable alternative in many contexts.

succumbed to

This phrase suggests yielding to a force or influence, often with negative connotations. It's similar to "overcome by" but implies a lack of resistance.

dominated by

This suggests being controlled or ruled by something, highlighting a power dynamic. The emphasis is more on control than emotional response.

gripped by

This alternative emphasizes the sudden and forceful nature of the impact, often used to describe fear or panic.

vanquished by

Implies defeat and being completely subdued by a force or emotion. Stronger and more dramatic than "overcome by".

suppressed by

Suggests being held back or controlled, often used in the context of emotions or opposition.

mastered by

Implies being highly skilled or controlled by something; this can also mean the individual has acquired mastery of a subject.

conquered by

This suggests a forceful victory or overcoming, often used in the context of battles or challenges.

managed by

Suggests handling or directing something, often used in the context of business or projects.

FAQs

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

Use "overcome by" to describe a state of being overwhelmed or strongly affected by a feeling or circumstance. For example: "He was "overcome by" joy at the news of his promotion."

What are some alternatives to "overcome by"?

You can use alternatives such as "overwhelmed by", "affected by", or "gripped by" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "overcome from" instead of "overcome by"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "overcome" in this context is "by". "Overcome from" is not standard English.

What's the difference between "overcome by" and "overcome with"?

"Overcome by" generally refers to being overwhelmed by a specific feeling or situation, while "overcome with" often describes being filled with a strong emotion. Both are correct, but their usage varies slightly.