to be overwhelmed

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be overwhelmed" is a correctly used phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone is feeling overpowered or completely overcome by an event or experience. For example, "The news that he had passed away was so unexpected, he was overwhelmed with grief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He wants to be overwhelmed.

The New Yorker

Expect to be overwhelmed.

The New York Times - Sports

She wanted to be overwhelmed, even humbled.

The New Yorker

The right to be overwhelmed.

The Guardian - Books

Some literary sources deserve to be overwhelmed.

The New York Times

I hadn't expected to be overwhelmed.

The New Yorker

I didn't want to be overwhelmed.

The New York Times

"It's not a crime to be overwhelmed," he said.

The New York Times

I'm going to be overwhelmed with pride and passion.

The Guardian - Sport

Idealism is, once again, about to be overwhelmed by opportunism.

Independent

Hadn't I come to New York expressly to be overwhelmed?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be overwhelmed", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is causing the feeling of being overwhelmed. Be specific about the source of the stress or emotion to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "to be overwhelmed" without specifying the cause. Saying "I'm overwhelmed" is less effective than saying "I'm overwhelmed by the amount of work I have to do."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be overwhelmed" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as part of a verb phrase to express a state of being overpowered by emotions, tasks, or circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be overwhelmed" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a state of being overpowered by emotions, tasks, or situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread and accepted in English. Predominantly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, it conveys a strong emotional state where one feels incapable of managing their current circumstances. To enhance clarity, it's best to specify the cause of being overwhelmed, avoiding overgeneralizations. Alternatives like "to be overcome" or "to be inundated" can be used depending on the specific context. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various types of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be overcome

This implies being deeply affected by a feeling or event, often to the point of being unable to function normally.

to be overpowered

Suggests being defeated or subdued by a greater force or influence.

to be inundated

This alternative suggests being flooded or covered with something, often implying a large quantity or amount that is difficult to manage.

to be consumed

This suggests being completely filled or absorbed by something, often to the exclusion of other things.

to be snowed under

This indicates being overwhelmed with a large amount of work or responsibilities.

to be burdened

This suggests being weighed down by something heavy, either physically or emotionally.

to be staggered

Suggests being deeply shocked or surprised, often to the point of being unsteady or disoriented.

to be crushed

Implies being severely oppressed or disheartened, often to the point of feeling defeated.

to be bowled over

This implies being greatly impressed or overwhelmed by someone or something.

to be floored

This indicates being surprised or astonished to the point of being speechless or stunned.

FAQs

How can I use "to be overwhelmed" in a sentence?

You can use "to be overwhelmed" to describe a feeling of being overpowered by emotions, tasks, or situations. For example, "She was "to be overwhelmed" by the outpouring of support after the accident".

What are some alternatives to "to be overwhelmed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "to be overcome", "to be inundated", or "to be burdened".

Is it correct to say "I am overwhelmed"?

Yes, "I am overwhelmed" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. It expresses a feeling of being overpowered or stressed by something.

What's the difference between "to be overwhelmed" and "to be stressed"?

"To be stressed" generally refers to experiencing mental or emotional strain or tension. "To be overwhelmed" suggests a more intense feeling of being completely overpowered by something, often to the point of being unable to cope.