was not overcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was not overcome" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone or something did not succumb to a challenge, obstacle, or difficulty. Example: "Despite the numerous challenges faced during the project, the team was not overcome by adversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Reaching the marker, though, he was not overcome with elation.

The New York Times - Travel

Evidence so far suggests that Mr. Root was not overcome by carbon monoxide or affected by drugs during the flight.

The New York Times

Typical heavy weed competition, which was not overcome by increased seeding rate or extent of seedbed preparation, occurred in full sunlight.

Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment

We think the finding was justified; in other words, the proof afforded by the indictment was not overcome; and this is all that it is necessary to now decide.

Cornell University

As he points out, the final capture and execution of Ungern in 1921 was a sideshow, and the chaos of Russia's far east was not overcome by the defeat of the Whites.

The New York Times - Books

"The prejudicial effect on the jury was not overcome," it said, leading to a miscarriage of justice.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

"I jumped into the safety shower and had the respirator in my mouth, so I wasn't overcome.

The Guardian

Jane Jacobs would have loved him, if she wasn't overcome by conniptions at his oozing influence over her beloved neighborhood streets.

The New York Times

Furthermore, the limitations found are not overcome by the recommendations for their application.

Journal of Hydrology

I believe these challenges were underestimated and, indeed, were not overcome post-Trigano.

The Economist

Yet many of Fermilab's boffins are not overcome with grief.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was not overcome" to express resilience or resistance to difficulties, challenges, or negative influences. This phrase is effective in describing situations where individuals, systems, or processes maintain integrity despite adversity.

Common error

Avoid using "was not overcome" when an active construction is more appropriate. If the subject actively resisted, use a more direct verb, like "resisted" or "fought off", for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was not overcome" functions as a passive construction indicating that a subject did not succumb to a challenge, emotion, or force. As evidenced by Ludwig, it's used to convey resilience or resistance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was not overcome" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to describe a situation where someone or something resisted a challenge, difficulty, or negative influence. According to Ludwig, it effectively conveys resilience and the ability to withstand adversity. While its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various contexts, it's important to consider the surrounding language and ensure that the passive voice aligns with the intended emphasis. Alternatives such as "did not succumb" or "was not defeated" offer similar meanings but may carry slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did not succumb

Replaces "was overcome" with "succumb", focusing on yielding to pressure.

did not yield

Replaces "was overcome" with "yield", emphasizing a refusal to give way.

was not defeated

Uses "defeated" instead of "overcome", highlighting a failure to win or succeed.

was not conquered

Replaces "overcome" with "conquered", suggesting a struggle against an opposing force.

was not subdued

Emphasizes a lack of control or suppression.

remained unaffected

Focuses on the absence of an impact or change.

persisted through

Highlights the act of continuing despite difficulties.

endured without faltering

Emphasizes the ability to withstand challenges without weakening.

withstood the impact

Focuses on resisting a forceful effect or challenge.

stood firm against

Highlights a steadfast resistance to something.

FAQs

How can I use "was not overcome" in a sentence?

Use "was not overcome" to show that something or someone resisted or withstood a challenge. For example, "The team "was not overcome" by the setback and continued to strive for their goals".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "was not overcome"?

Similar phrases include "did not succumb", "did not yield", and "was not defeated". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "was not overcome" formal or informal?

"Was not overcome" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication.

When should I use "was not overcome" instead of a more active verb?

Use "was not overcome" when you want to emphasize the state of resistance or the lack of impact from a challenge, rather than the action of resisting. If the emphasis is on active resistance, consider using a stronger, active verb like "resisted".