overflowing with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overflowing with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to describe an abundance of something. For example, "The garden was overflowing with blooming roses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Overflowing with anxiety, sir".

The New York Times

"They are overflowing  with energy.

Independent

Wall Street is overflowing with excess again.

The New York Times

Yet America is overflowing with money.

The Economist

"My wallet was overflowing with receipts.

The New York Times

Mr. Zandi is practically overflowing with optimism.

The New York Times

A start-up is overflowing with energy.

The New York Times

Motel rooms were overflowing with teenagers.

The New York Times

Luckily, the country is overflowing with them.

The Guardian - Travel

By 2007, the site's inbox was overflowing with takedown emails.

The Guardian - Books

The rear seat was overflowing with ears of corn.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "overflowing with" to vividly describe situations or objects that are abundantly full, whether physically or metaphorically. For example, "The stadium was overflowing with excited fans" or "Her heart was overflowing with gratitude."

Common error

Avoid using "overflowing with" to describe small or insignificant quantities. This can create a sense of exaggeration and diminish the impact of your writing. For example, instead of saying "The glass was overflowing with a few drops of water", consider using a more accurate descriptor like "The glass had a few drops of water".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overflowing with" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of abundance or excess. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is commonly used in written English to describe a situation or object that is filled to an excessive degree.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

2%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overflowing with" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to vividly describe abundance or excess. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. This phrase functions to emphasize the quantity or intensity of something and is suitable for various registers, though most frequently found in news and media contexts. When using "overflowing with", ensure it accurately reflects the degree of abundance and avoid using it for minor quantities. Consider alternatives such as "brimming with" or "teeming with" to tailor the description to the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brimming with

This alternative suggests a state of being full to the point where something is about to spill over, similar to "overflowing with" but with a slightly different visual image.

teeming with

This alternative implies a great quantity of something, often living things, and suggests a lively or active abundance.

abounding in

This alternative emphasizes richness and a plentiful supply of something.

filled to the brim with

This alternative highlights the completeness of the filling, suggesting that there is no more room for anything else.

packed with

This suggests a dense and compact filling, indicating a high concentration of something.

replete with

This formal alternative suggests a state of being fully or abundantly provided for.

saturated with

This alternative suggests that something is completely permeated or soaked with something else.

flush with

This alternative implies an abundance of something, often money or resources.

rich in

This suggests having a large quantity of a particular quality or substance.

awash with

This alternative implies being covered or flooded with something.

FAQs

How can I use "overflowing with" in a sentence?

You can use "overflowing with" to describe a situation where something is filled to an excessive degree. For example, "The garden was "overflowing with" flowers" or "Her heart was "overflowing with" joy".

What are some synonyms for "overflowing with"?

Alternatives to "overflowing with" include "brimming with", "teeming with", "abounding in", and "packed with". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say something is "overflowing with" negative emotions?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to describe something as "overflowing with" negative emotions. For instance, you can say someone is ""overflowing with" anger" or ""overflowing with" sadness". However, be mindful of the emotional tone and potential impact on the reader.

What's the difference between "overflowing with" and "full of"?

"Overflowing with" suggests a state beyond being simply full, implying an excess or abundance. "Full of" indicates a complete filling, but not necessarily to the point of excess. For example, "The glass was full of water" means it was completely filled, while "The glass was "overflowing with" water" suggests the water was spilling over.