overcome with emotion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overcome with emotion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone is feeling a strong emotional reaction towards something; for example, "When she saw her long-lost brother, she was overcome with emotion and burst into tears."

✓ 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

"I was overcome with emotion," she said.

The New York Times

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

Independent

I was overcome with emotion.

The New York Times

He paused, overcome with emotion.

The Guardian

Addams is overcome with emotion.

The New York Times - Magazine

Nearby, Brestyan was overcome with emotion.

The New York Times - Sports

Ms. Harihareswara was overcome with emotion.

The New York Times

Sergio Garcia was overcome with emotion.

The Washington Post

When Rojas held Asha, she was overcome with emotion.

The New Yorker

But then Dr. Hale was overcome with emotion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "overcome with emotion" to describe situations where someone experiences a sudden, powerful emotional reaction. Ensure the context clearly indicates the source or reason for this intense feeling.

Common error

While "overcome with emotion" is a valid and common phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms such as "deeply moved", "filled with emotion", or "overwhelmed by feeling" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overcome with emotion" functions as an adjectival phrase, describing a state of being deeply affected by feelings. It modifies a subject by indicating they are experiencing intense emotion. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overcome with emotion" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to depict a state of being intensely affected by feelings. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's particularly common in News & Media, as well as Encyclopedias. While its usage is generally neutral, varying your vocabulary with synonyms like "deeply moved" or "filled with emotion" can enrich your writing. Remember, the phrase describes a strong, immediate emotional experience, differentiating it from simply "feeling emotional".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deeply moved

Focuses on the feeling of being touched emotionally, emphasizing the depth of the emotion.

filled with emotion

Highlights the sensation of being completely imbued with emotional feelings.

overwhelmed by feeling

Emphasizes the overpowering nature of the emotion experienced.

stirred to the depths

Suggests a profound emotional impact, implying a deep and resonant experience.

in the throes of emotion

Paints a picture of someone caught up and struggling within the grip of their feelings.

gripped by emotion

Emphasizes the intensity and controlling aspect of the emotional experience.

lost in emotion

Suggests that the emotional experience has consumed the person completely.

consumed by feelings

Similar to 'lost in emotion', but with an added sense of being used up by the emotion.

swept away by emotion

Evokes an image of being uncontrollably carried by a powerful emotional current.

moved to tears

Specifically indicates that the emotional experience has resulted in crying.

FAQs

How can I use "overcome with emotion" in a sentence?

You can use "overcome with emotion" to describe a situation where someone is experiencing a strong, often overwhelming, emotional response. For example, "She was "overcome with emotion" when she saw her daughter graduate".

What are some synonyms for "overcome with emotion"?

Some alternatives to "overcome with emotion" include "deeply moved", "filled with emotion", and "overwhelmed by feeling".

Is it grammatically correct to say "overcome by emotion"?

While "overcome with emotion" is more common, "overcome by emotion" is also grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning.

What's the difference between "overcome with emotion" and "feeling emotional"?

"Overcome with emotion" suggests a stronger, more immediate and potentially overwhelming experience of emotion. "Feeling emotional" is a more general and less intense state.