they were overcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were overcome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is overwhelmed by emotions, circumstances, or challenges. Example: "As the news of the tragedy spread, they were overcome with grief and disbelief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Hull were overrun before they were overcome.

The Guardian - Sport

At least this week, they were overcome.

The New York Times - Sports

Once they were overcome, though, came doubts about the drinking, nights at the city's Capitol Lounge.

The Guardian - Sport

They were overcome by a mad desire to be somewhere else.

The New York Times

As the group climbed Mount Rasica, they were overcome by a severe snow storm and heavy fog.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Half a dozen women told me that they were overcome with emotion as they watched the video.

The Guardian - Sport

They say that these factors were identified early on as major barriers to addressing the epidemic, and note that they were overcome through major public health campaigns.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Amidst the sadness, they were overcoming their losses with laughter and play.

HuffPost

They were overcoming self-doubt and replacing it with self-confidence.

HuffPost

How might they be overcome?

The New York Times

Can they be overcome again?

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were overcome", ensure the context clearly indicates what caused them to be overwhelmed, such as fumes, emotions, or a superior force.

Common error

Avoid using "they were overcome" without specifying what overwhelmed them. For example, instead of "They were overcome", specify "They were overcome by the fumes" or "They were overcome with grief."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were overcome" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a group experienced a state of being overwhelmed or defeated by an external force, emotion, or circumstance. This aligns with Ludwig's examples, where the subjects are acted upon rather than initiating the action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were overcome" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It conveys a passive state of being overwhelmed or defeated, with the specific cause often elaborated upon for clarity. Its usage is particularly common in news reports and scientific articles, maintaining a neutral tone suitable for diverse contexts. Remember to specify what "they" were overcome by to avoid ambiguity. With an expert rating of 4.5, it is considered a reliable and effective way to describe a group's experience of being overpowered or overwhelmed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were overwhelmed

Emphasizes being flooded by emotions or circumstances, lacking the physical defeat aspect.

they were defeated

Focuses specifically on the act of being beaten in a competition or conflict.

they were overpowered

Highlights the presence of superior force or strength leading to defeat.

they were conquered

Implies a more forceful and complete subjugation, often in a military sense.

they were subdued

Indicates a state of being calmed or brought under control, often after resistance.

they were vanquished

Similar to 'conquered' but often used in a more literary or historical context.

they succumbed

Suggests giving way to pressure or temptation, not necessarily involving an external force.

they were bested

Implies being outdone or outsmarted in a contest or challenge.

they were crushed

Conveys a sense of utter defeat and demoralization.

they capitulated

Implies surrendering or ceasing to resist, often after negotiation or a long struggle.

FAQs

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

Use "they were overcome" to indicate that a group of people was overpowered or overwhelmed by something. For instance, "they were overcome by emotion" or "they were overcome by fumes".

What phrases are similar to "they were overcome"?

Similar phrases include "they were overwhelmed", "they were defeated", or "they succumbed", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "they were overcome by" something?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use "they were overcome by" to describe being overpowered or overwhelmed by a specific force or emotion. For example, "they were overcome by the heat".

What is the difference between "they were overcome" and "they overcame"?

"They were overcome" indicates that they were defeated or overwhelmed by something, while "they overcame" means that they successfully dealt with or conquered something. For example, "they were overcome by adversity" (defeated) versus "they overcame adversity" (conquered).