they are overcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are overcome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state where individuals are overwhelmed by emotions, situations, or challenges. Example: "After hearing the news, they are overcome with joy and disbelief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

They are overcome, gradually or all at once, by middle-aged ennui and disenchantment.

The New Yorker

Yet whenever such doubts arise they are overcome, overwhelmed even, by the purity of Selznick's imagination.

The New York Times - Books

Despite the passengers' lack of anything remotely resembling expressive language ("Sure are big creatures". / "It's awful plain"), they are overcome with joy, lifted from their narrow selves for a luminous moment, before the bus rolls on.

The New Yorker

"All Things Shining" is not a book that asks, though, which Greeks would have been filled with gratitude, or which Americans have so many options that they are overcome by indecision.

The New York Times - Books

She said: "We believe that the first weddings will be beautiful and that they'll bring a breeze of joy, and that those who are opposed to them today will surely be confounded when they are overcome with the happiness of the newlyweds and the families".

The Guardian

If they are overcome, India and Pakistan might finally end the feud that began when they became independent in 1947.Phase one is a trade: Pakistan is to end support for terrorists fighting Indian rule in Kashmir, a Muslim-majority state that is divided between the two countries.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"They are overcoming fear to do this".

The New York Times

For example, teachers may perceive themselves facing both a more difficult challenge but also believe that they are overcoming the challenge through effective teaching.

The New York Times

"They are overcoming unimaginable challenges... in arriving back at school, and their commitment and grace is clearly on display".

BBC

I meet these Bakerites and I see what they have to offer long before I know the specifics of the obstacles they are overcoming.

Huffington Post

You can learn how they are overcoming the problems.' [Participant quotes, [ 26 ]: 202].

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they are overcome" to describe situations where individuals are significantly affected by an external force, emotion, or challenge. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing them to be overcome.

Common error

Avoid using "they are overcome" without clearly specifying the cause. Vague usage can confuse readers. Ensure the sentence explicitly states what is overpowering or affecting them. For example, instead of saying "They are overcome", specify "They are overcome by grief" or "They are overcome by the challenge".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are overcome" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that a group is in a state of being overwhelmed or subdued by something. Ludwig AI affirms its usability, showcasing how it is used to express being overpowered by emotions, challenges, or external forces.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are overcome" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a group being overwhelmed by emotions, situations, or challenges. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. To enhance clarity, always specify the cause of being overcome. Alternatives such as "they are overwhelmed" or "they are defeated" can be used depending on the context. Use this phrase to add impact when describing situations where a group is heavily affected by external forces.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are overwhelmed

Emphasizes being overpowered by emotions or circumstances.

they are defeated

Focuses on being conquered or beaten in a struggle.

they are conquered

Highlights the act of being subdued or dominated.

they are triumphed over

Highlights victory and overcoming adversity.

they are subdued

Suggests being brought under control or suppressed.

they are swept away

Conveys a sense of being carried away by strong emotions or forces.

they are surpassed

Indicates exceeding or outdoing something or someone.

they are bested

Focuses on being outdone or defeated in a competitive context.

they are crushed

Emphasizes a complete and devastating defeat.

they are bowled over

Implies being greatly impressed or astonished.

FAQs

What does "they are overcome" mean?

The phrase "they are overcome" means that a group of people is overpowered or overwhelmed by something, such as emotions, challenges, or external forces.

How can I use "they are overcome" in a sentence?

Use "they are overcome" to describe a state of being overwhelmed. For example, "They were overcome by the fumes" or "They "are overwhelmed" by the beauty of the landscape".

What are some alternatives to "they are overcome"?

Alternatives include "they are overwhelmed", "they are defeated", or "they "are subdued"", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "they are overcome" or "they were overcome"?

The choice between "they are overcome" and "they were overcome" depends on the tense of the sentence. Use "they are overcome" for present tense and "they were overcome" for past tense. For example, "They are overcome by emotion now" versus "They "were overcome by" the news yesterday".