was consumed by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'was consumed by' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is often used to describe the feeling of a strong emotion, and it often implies that the emotion took over and overwhelmed the person. For example: "His mind was consumed by fear as he walked through the darkened alley."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The center was consumed by the fire.

The New York Times

But I was consumed by him.

The New York Times

"Much alcohol was consumed by Linda Hamilton".

The New Yorker

"The hallway was consumed by fire".

The New York Times

I was consumed by an abstract terror.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Crowley was consumed by "Gray State".

The New Yorker

My life was consumed by this condition.

The Guardian

"Yet I, myself, was consumed by it.

The Guardian

Throughout this, she was consumed by melancholy.

The Guardian - Books

The marquee was consumed by a sepulchral hush.

The Guardian

I was consumed by the mystery Edward presented.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was consumed by" to vividly describe a state of being completely overwhelmed by a feeling, idea, or event. This construction adds intensity and depth to your writing. For example, instead of saying someone was 'very sad', you could say they "were consumed by sadness".

Common error

Avoid overusing the passive voice in general. While "was consumed by" is grammatically correct, relying too heavily on passive constructions can make your writing sound weak or unclear. Ensure the subject of the sentence is still apparent and that the passive voice is used intentionally for emphasis, not out of habit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was consumed by" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject of the sentence is acted upon, rather than performing an action. It's often used to describe a state of being overwhelmed or dominated by something, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was consumed by" is a versatile phrase used to describe a state of being overwhelmed or dominated by something, typically an emotion or idea. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While effective, it's important to be mindful of overusing passive voice and to choose the most precise synonym depending on the desired nuance. By understanding its function and considering alternatives, writers can effectively use "was consumed by" to add depth and intensity to their descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was overwhelmed by

Highlights the feeling of being overpowered by something.

was absorbed in

Suggests complete mental or emotional absorption.

was engrossed in

Focuses more on deep involvement and absorption, rather than being overwhelmed.

was gripped by

Highlights the intensity and compelling nature of an emotion or situation.

was immersed in

Focuses on being deeply involved or surrounded by something.

was preoccupied with

Emphasizes mental absorption and worry about something.

was captivated by

Emphasizes the enchanting or fascinating nature of something.

was obsessed with

Implies an unhealthy or excessive fixation.

was dominated by

Suggests control and influence by an external force or entity.

was ruled by

Implies control and governance by a specific entity or emotion.

FAQs

How can I use "was consumed by" in a sentence?

Use "was consumed by" to describe a state of being completely overwhelmed by something, such as an emotion, thought, or event. For example, "She "was consumed by grief" after the loss."

What are some alternatives to using "was consumed by"?

Alternatives include "was engrossed in", "was overwhelmed by", or "was absorbed in", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "was consumed with" interchangeable with "was consumed by"?

While similar, "was consumed with" often implies a more active engagement or effort, whereas "was consumed by" suggests a more passive state of being overtaken. The choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "was consumed by" and "was preoccupied with"?

"Was consumed by" suggests a more intense and overwhelming state compared to "was preoccupied with", which implies a more moderate level of mental absorption or concern.