to engulf

USAGE SUMMARY

"to engulf" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express an idea of something surrounding and overpowering, such as a smell or emotion. For example: The smell of fresh-baked cookies engulfed the house.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The crisis threatens to engulf several others.

The Economist

Some people allow pressure to engulf them.

The Guardian - Sport

Doesn't the darkness ever threaten to engulf him?

The Guardian - Arts

Today, it's that oblivion that threatens to engulf both peoples.

The New York Times

He compensated by striving to engulf the town.

The New Yorker

And then, if I reciprocate, I tend to engulf.

The New Yorker

But a creeping distress threatens to engulf her.

The New York Times - Books

Within the locker room, though, the chaos that appeared to engulf the Colts never surfaced.

The New York Times - Sports

In the recesses of the Imperial Court, an intrigue was concocted which came to engulf everybody.

The New Yorker

We've got a rampant pro-development agenda threatening to engulf historic cities such as Chichester".

Independent

The PAD was nurtured by the palace and now threatens to engulf it.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to engulf" to vividly describe situations where something is being completely surrounded or overpowered, especially in contexts involving strong emotions or natural forces.

Common error

Avoid using "to engulf" when a simpler word like "cover" or "surround" would suffice. Overusing it in purely literal, non-metaphorical contexts can make your writing sound unnecessarily dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to engulf" typically functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of completely surrounding or overpowering something. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is used to express an idea of something surrounding and overpowering, such as a smell or emotion. Examples from Ludwig confirm its use in various contexts, such as crises, darkness, and even physical objects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the infinitive phrase "to engulf" vividly describes the action of completely surrounding or overpowering something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science, to evoke a strong image of being consumed or overwhelmed. While versatile, it is best employed to add intensity and drama to descriptions, avoiding overuse in purely literal situations. Alternatives like "to envelop" or "to overwhelm" can provide similar meaning with slightly different nuances. By following these guidelines, writers can effectively use "to engulf" to enhance their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to envelop

This phrase emphasizes the encompassing or enclosing nature of the action.

to overwhelm

This alternative focuses on the overpowering effect of something.

to surround completely

This alternative focuses on the comprehensive nature of the surrounding action.

to swallow up

This phrase emphasizes the idea of something being completely taken in or consumed.

to inundate

This option highlights the overwhelming quantity or force of something covering another.

to consume entirely

This option stresses the completeness of the consumption or absorption.

to immerse

This phrase highlights the deep involvement or submersion of something.

to blanket

This alternative evokes the image of a covering that spreads over a large area.

to bury

This phrase suggests the complete covering and concealing of something.

to overcome

While it implies being overwhelmed, this option focuses more on the struggle against being engulfed.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "to engulf" in a sentence?

Use "to engulf" to describe a situation where something is completely surrounded or overpowered, often with a sense of intensity or drama. For example, "The flames threatened "to engulf" the entire forest".

What are some alternatives to "to engulf"?

Alternatives include "to envelop", "to overwhelm", or "to consume", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "to engulf" instead of "to cover"?

"To engulf" implies a more complete and often destructive covering, while "to cover" is more neutral. Use "to engulf" when you want to emphasize the intensity and completeness of the covering action.

Is "to engulf" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "to engulf" can be used in formal writing, especially when you want to create a vivid and impactful image. However, ensure the tone is appropriate for the context, as it can sound overly dramatic in some situations.