overtaken by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overtaken by" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe a situation in which something or someone has been surpassed or has had their success or progress outdone by a specific action or outside force. For example: "The company was overtaken by a rival, leaving them struggling to stay afloat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They have been overtaken by events".

The New York Times

Now it has been overtaken by events.

The Economist

Ibrahimovic was overtaken by delight.

The Guardian - Sport

Time Warner Cable has been overtaken by bratty teenagers!

The New York Times

Politics could be overtaken by financial deadlines.

The Guardian

Am I being overtaken by toys?

The New York Times

These proposals have been overtaken by events.

The Guardian - Books

That remark was soon overtaken by events.

The New York Times

The power-sharing deal is being overtaken by events.

The Economist

"We love finding abandoned buildings completely overtaken by nature".

The New York Times

Kessab has since been overtaken by the rebels.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "overtaken by" to describe a situation where something has been surpassed or overshadowed, particularly when external forces or events have caused the change.

Common error

Avoid using "overtaken by" when a simpler phrase like "passed by" or "went past" is more appropriate. "Overtaken by" often implies a significant shift or consequence, not just a physical passing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overtaken by" functions primarily as a passive construction, indicating that a subject has been acted upon, typically surpassed or superseded, by an external force or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. Examples show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "overtaken by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that denotes the act of being surpassed or superseded. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is commonly used in various contexts, most notably in news and media. When writing, it's important to ensure that "overtaken by" is used to indicate a significant shift due to external influences, rather than simple instances of passing. Alternatives such as "surpassed by" or "exceeded by" may be more appropriate depending on the nuance you wish to convey. The phrase maintains a neutral register and is widely understood, making it a valuable tool for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surpassed by

Focuses on exceeding a previous level or achievement.

exceeded by

Similar to 'surpassed by', but implies a greater degree of surpassing.

superseded by

Indicates that something has been replaced or is no longer in use.

eclipsed by

Suggests that something has been overshadowed or diminished in importance.

outstripped by

Emphasizes the speed or extent to which something has surpassed another.

overwhelmed by

Indicates a feeling of being overpowered or consumed by something.

dominated by

Suggests that something is being controlled or influenced by another.

outdone by

Focuses on achieving a higher level of performance or success.

outmatched by

Highlights an imbalance of power or skill.

replaced by

Directly indicates a substitution.

FAQs

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

Use "overtaken by" to indicate that something has been surpassed or overshadowed by another thing or event. For example, "The company was "overtaken by" its competitors due to rapid technological advancements."

What is a good alternative to "overtaken by"?

Some alternatives to "overtaken by" include "surpassed by", "exceeded by", or "superseded by", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "overtaken by"?

"Overtaken by" is appropriate when you want to emphasize that something has been not only surpassed but also significantly impacted or affected by the overtaking force or event. It suggests a shift in power, importance, or relevance.

Is "overtaken by" the same as "overcome by"?

No, "overtaken by" and "overcome by" have different meanings. "Overtaken by" means surpassed or superseded, while "overcome by" means to be deeply affected or overwhelmed by a feeling or situation.