overrun with messages

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overrun with messages" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is receiving an excessive number of messages, often leading to a feeling of being overwhelmed. Example: "After the announcement, my inbox was overrun with messages from colleagues asking for clarification."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

WIS in Columbia said it limited political commercials so that breaks were not overrun with messages that were often scathing and unpleasant.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The museum's Facebook page has been overrun with heated messages coming from both sides.

The New York Times

Today, the iTunes App Store's Top Charts in the Social Networking category are nearly overrun with mobile messaging apps.

TechCrunch

Every day editors are overrun with press releases, e-mail messages, letters and telephone calls on many causes, including residents complaining about potholes and politicians looking to promote their theme of the week.

The New York Times

On Urbanbaby.com, a popular destination site for expectant parents, message boards are overrun with questions about what a pregnant woman ought and ought not to do.

The New York Times - Style

In case the FIFO buffer is overrun, new messages are lost.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

Prostitutes roaming the streets at 8 a.m., rubble-strewn parking lots overrun with weeds, buildings taken over by bright pink graffiti, the message scrawled on blackboards in deserted schools: "I will not write in vacant buildings".

Los Angeles Times

Dublin's Phoenix Park was overrun with Armstrong fans after he invited them to ride with him via Twitter message.

The New York Times

Are you overrun with books?

The New York Times - Magazine

It was overrun with aristolochia.

The New Yorker

The internet has been overrun with tributes.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "overrun with messages" to describe a situation where the volume of messages is causing a problem or feeling of being overwhelmed. For example, after launching a new product, a company's customer service department might be "overrun with messages".

Common error

Avoid using "overrun with messages" to simply indicate the presence of many messages without the connotation of being overwhelmed or negatively impacted. Instead, use it when the quantity of messages is causing a problem or feeling of being burdened.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overrun with messages" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, describing a subject that is overwhelmed or excessively burdened by a large volume of messages. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a situation where someone is receiving an excessive number of messages.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overrun with messages" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that effectively conveys the feeling of being overwhelmed by a large number of messages. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe situations where the volume of messages causes a problem or burden. Its usage spans various contexts, with a higher frequency in News & Media and Science, but it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When needing alternatives, consider "inundated with messages" or "flooded with messages" for similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inundated with messages

Emphasizes being flooded with messages.

flooded with messages

Similar to 'inundated', highlighting a large influx of messages.

bombarded with messages

Highlights the aggressive and overwhelming nature of receiving many messages.

swamped with messages

Focuses on being overwhelmed and unable to handle the volume of messages.

deluged with messages

Implies a sudden and overwhelming flood of messages.

awash with messages

Suggests being surrounded by messages.

buried in messages

Conveys the feeling of being unable to cope with the number of messages.

snowed under with messages

Highlights the feeling of being unable to manage the volume of messages.

suffocated by messages

Emphasizes the oppressive feeling of receiving too many messages.

drowning in messages

Conveys a sense of desperation and being overwhelmed.

FAQs

What does "overrun with messages" mean?

The phrase "overrun with messages" means to be overwhelmed by a large quantity of messages, often to the point of being unable to manage them effectively. It implies a feeling of being burdened or negatively impacted by the sheer number of messages received.

How can I use "overrun with messages" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe situations where someone is receiving an excessive number of messages, leading to a feeling of being overwhelmed. For example: "After the announcement, my inbox was overrun with messages from colleagues asking for clarification."

What can I say instead of "overrun with messages"?

You can use alternatives like "inundated with messages", "flooded with messages", or "bombarded with messages" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "overrun by messages" instead of "overrun with messages"?

While "overrun by" can be used in other contexts, "overrun with messages" is the more common and natural phrasing when referring to a large quantity of messages. "Overrun by" might suggest a more forceful or aggressive takeover.