overcome with

USAGE SUMMARY

"overcome with" is an acceptable phrase in written English and can be used in a variety of contexts.
For example: "Laura was overcome with joy when she heard the news of her promotion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's obviously overcome with emotion.

The New Yorker

Frank is overcome with admiration.

The New Yorker

Evil overcome with trickery.

The New York Times - Arts

"I was overcome with emotion," she said.

The New York Times

"Of course," I say, overcome with emotion.

Independent

He froze, overcome with shock and shame.

The New York Times

Suddenly Mrs. Bagot is overcome with sleepiness.

The New Yorker

He was overcome with guilt.

The New Yorker

I was overcome with emotion.

The New York Times

Addams is overcome with emotion.

The New York Times - Magazine

He paused, overcome with emotion.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "overcome with" to vividly describe a character's strong emotional response in your writing. For example, instead of saying "She was sad", write "She was overcome with grief", to provide a more compelling image.

Common error

Avoid using "overcome with" for mild or commonplace reactions. The phrase implies a significant emotional experience, so reserve it for moments of genuine intensity, not for simple preferences or slight annoyances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overcome with" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase. It describes a state of being intensely affected by a particular emotion or feeling. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase describes a situation where a person or character is heavily influenced by a specific emotion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overcome with" is a versatile and impactful phrase used to depict a state of being intensely affected by a specific emotion. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct and it is widely found in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. The analysis reveals that the phrase is most frequently used in News & Media contexts. When using "overcome with", consider the intensity of the emotion you want to portray and ensure it aligns with the described situation. Alternatives like "filled with" or "gripped by" can be used to express slightly different nuances. Avoid misusing the phrase in mundane situations to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overwhelmed by

A direct synonym, emphasizing the feeling of being unable to cope with the intensity of the emotion.

filled with

Focuses on the state of being saturated or imbued with a particular feeling, rather than being overwhelmed by it.

consumed by

Highlights the all-encompassing nature of the feeling, suggesting it dominates one's thoughts and actions.

gripped by

Implies a sudden and powerful emotional or physical effect, often suggesting fear or anxiety.

seized by

Suggests a sudden and involuntary experience of a feeling, often implying a loss of control.

moved by

Indicates being touched or affected by something, often with a sense of empathy or compassion.

struck by

Emphasizes the sudden and unexpected nature of the emotional impact.

awash with

Conveys a sense of being flooded or inundated with a particular feeling.

inundated with

Similar to 'awash with', highlighting the feeling of being overwhelmed by a large quantity or intensity.

affected by

A more general term indicating influence or impact, without necessarily implying the same level of intensity as "overcome with".

FAQs

How to use "overcome with" in a sentence?

Use "overcome with" to describe a situation where someone is deeply affected by a particular emotion. For example: "He was "overcome with" joy upon seeing his family after many years".

What can I say instead of "overcome with"?

You can use alternatives like "filled with", "gripped by", or "overwhelmed by" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "overcome with" or "overcome by"?

Both "overcome with" and "overcome by" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably, but "overcome with" is generally more common when referring to emotions or feelings, while "overcome by" can be used for other things such as obstacles.

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

"Moved by" suggests being touched or affected emotionally, often positively. "Overcome with", on the other hand, implies a more intense and potentially overwhelming emotional experience, which may not always be positive. For example, you can be "moved by" a kind gesture, but ""overcome with"" grief.