washed over

USAGE SUMMARY

"washed over" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used to describe a feeling of emotion, such as when something positive has a calming effect on someone else. For example: When she heard the good news, she felt a wave of relief wash over her.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A look of anguish washed over his face.

The New York Times

It just washed over me".

The New York Times

A wave of guilt washed over me.

The New York Times

A surge of relief washed over me.

The New York Times

But relief also washed over her.

The Guardian - Sport

The national campaign washed over their heads.

The Guardian - Opinion

Beethoven washed over us like a wave.

The New York Times

But the positives washed over it.

The Guardian - Sport

A hush washed over the room.

The New Yorker

When she found out, the relief washed over her.

The New York Times

Floods washed over Ejit three times in 2014.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "washed over" to describe a sudden, enveloping feeling or sensation. This phrase is particularly effective for illustrating emotional experiences in writing.

Common error

Avoid using "washed over" to describe slow or incremental changes. This phrase implies a relatively sudden and encompassing experience, not a gradual process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "washed over" functions as a verb phrase, typically used in the passive voice. It describes how a feeling, sensation, or event impacts an individual or object. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

3%

Less common in

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "washed over" is a versatile expression used to describe the sudden and encompassing impact of a feeling or sensation. As Ludwig AI points out, it effectively communicates intensity and is grammatically correct. It’s commonly found in News & Media contexts, but is applicable across various writing styles. Remember to use it to depict immediate and overwhelming experiences, and avoid applying it to gradual changes. By following these guidelines, writers can leverage the expressive power of "washed over" to enhance their narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overwhelmed

This term focuses on the feeling of being overpowered by emotions or sensations, similar to a strong wave.

inundated

This conveys a sense of being overwhelmed by a large quantity of something.

engulfed

This alternative emphasizes a complete and often sudden encompassing, suggesting a more intense experience than "washed over".

flooded

This alternative conveys a sense of abundance and intensity, akin to being inundated with something.

swept through

This phrase suggests a rapid and pervasive effect, similar to water moving quickly.

enveloped

This implies a complete and often comforting covering, suggesting protection or solace.

permeated

This suggests a gradual and thorough spread, indicating a subtle but pervasive influence.

taken over

This conveys a sense of being replaced or controlled by an external force or feeling.

consumed

This term emphasizes the destructive aspect of being overtaken by something, losing oneself.

suffused

This suggests a slow, gentle spread of color, light, or emotion, less intense than "washed over".

FAQs

How can I use "washed over" in a sentence?

You can use "washed over" to describe a sudden, enveloping feeling. For example, "A wave of relief "washed over" him when he heard the news".

What can I say instead of "washed over"?

You can use alternatives like "engulfed", "overwhelmed", or "swept through" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a wave washed over me" or "I washed over"?

"A wave "washed over" me" is correct. "Washed over" is typically used passively to describe a feeling or sensation impacting someone, not an action initiated by the person.

What's the difference between "washed over" and "swept away"?

"Washed over" describes a feeling or sensation that envelops someone, while "swept away" suggests being completely removed or transported by a force or emotion.