was overcome by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was overcome by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is overwhelmed by emotions, feelings, or circumstances. Example: "She was overcome by grief after hearing the news of her friend's passing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Instead, I was overcome by sweeping generalities.

The New York Times

Somewhat astonished, I was overcome by curiosity.

Independent

Or he was overcome by listmania.

The New York Times - Sports

She was overcome by emotion.

The New Yorker

Firefighter Beddia was overcome by smoke.

The New York Times

I was overcome by where we were.

The New York Times

Beatty was overcome by emotion as he accepted the award.

The Guardian - Books

Maybe, he said, "she was overcome by the oven fumes".

The New Yorker

Syriza was overcome by the monsters of neoliberalism and privilege.

The Guardian - Opinion

As he read it, he was overcome by ambivalence.

The Guardian - Books

But his form was overcome by determination and stamina.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was overcome by", ensure the subject is clearly defined and the cause of being overcome is specific. For instance, "She was overcome by emotion" is clear, whereas "She was overcome" is ambiguous.

Common error

Avoid overusing the passive voice with "was overcome by" when an active construction would be more direct and engaging. Instead of "He was overcome by fear", consider "Fear overcame him."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was overcome by" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject experienced a state or feeling caused by an external force or emotion. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage, affirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was overcome by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a state of being overwhelmed, whether by emotions, circumstances, or external forces. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides ample examples across various contexts, primarily in news, scientific, and academic domains. While versatile, writers should be mindful of avoiding overuse of the passive voice and ensuring clarity in their writing. Alternatives such as ""was overwhelmed by"" and ""succumbed to"" offer similar meanings but may subtly shift the tone or emphasis. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively leverage "was overcome by" to convey a sense of being deeply affected.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was overwhelmed by

Similar meaning, replacing "overcome" with a more direct synonym.

was overpowered by

Highlights a superior force or influence.

was inundated by

Suggests being flooded or heavily burdened.

was consumed by

Implies a complete absorption or domination.

was defeated by

Indicates a loss of control or resistance.

was conquered by

Suggests complete domination or subjugation.

succumbed to

Implies giving in to something powerful.

yielded to

Similar to succumbed, suggesting a lack of resistance.

was affected by

A more general term indicating influence or impact.

was deeply moved by

Specifically relates to emotional impact.

FAQs

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

Use "was overcome by" to describe a state of being overwhelmed by a feeling, emotion, or force. For example, "The city "was overcome by" floodwaters" or "He "was overcome by" sadness".

What are some alternatives to "was overcome by"?

Alternatives include "was overwhelmed by", "was inundated by", or "succumbed to", depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "was overcome by"?

While "was overcome by" is grammatically correct, using active voice can often create a more direct and impactful sentence. Consider rephrasing to use an active verb if appropriate.

What is the difference between "was overcome by" and "was surprised by"?

"Was overcome by" implies a stronger emotional or physical effect, suggesting being overwhelmed. "Was surprised by" simply indicates unexpectedness without the sense of being overpowered. For example, "She "was overcome by" grief", versus "She "was surprised by" the unexpected gift".