we were overcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were overcome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a feeling of being overwhelmed by emotions, circumstances, or experiences. Example: "As the news of the victory spread, we were overcome with joy and disbelief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

That's why we were overcome by impatience when we found out that it was on display just next door.

The New Yorker

We were overcome by awe, by a sense of wonder, of peace; humbled by what we had seen, empowered by what we had done.

The New York Times - Travel

If you choose not to exercise (and we were overcome with guilt after just four self-indulgent days), you only have yourself to blame.

Independent

The two bosses, who have established a $100m emergency fund as a first step, said in a statement: "We were overcome when we saw the devastation in and around Bento Rodrigues.

Independent

We were overcome by the joy of finally being in each other's company.

HuffPost

As Jackie and I were returning to her car amid the zombie walk of crestfallen hopefuls who smile-cried their way to their stage moms' arms, we were overcome with a sense of relief.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

We are overcome with anxiety and helplessness.

The Guardian

We are overcome with sadness at the loss of our dearest friend Myrna.

The New York Times

She then places the box in view of the rest of us, should we be overcome.

The New York Times

Here, as at Auschwitz and many other places in Europe, we are overcome by the echo of the heart-rending laments of so many.

The New York Times

We are overcome, Sir, at what Joanna Trollope has done to Jane Austen in her updated version of Sense and Sensibility, the first of five mooted retools.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were overcome" when you want to convey a sense of being completely overwhelmed by a powerful emotion or experience, suggesting a loss of control or agency.

Common error

Avoid using "we were overcome" to describe minor inconveniences or everyday situations. This phrase is best reserved for significant emotional or impactful experiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were overcome" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject (we) experienced a state or emotion caused by an external force or event. It often describes a powerful emotional or sensory experience, as supported by Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were overcome" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to express being overwhelmed by a strong emotion, experience, or event. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of the phrase. Although relatively uncommon, its usage is generally neutral and is found mostly in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "we were overwhelmed" exist, "we were overcome" provides a specific nuance of being subdued or deeply affected. Use this phrase to effectively convey the intensity of an experience, but avoid overusing it in mundane situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were overwhelmed

Uses a more common synonym for "overcome", maintaining a passive voice.

we found ourselves overcome

Adds a sense of surprise or realization to the experience.

we were moved

Emphasizes emotional impact rather than being completely dominated.

we were deeply affected

Focuses on the lasting influence of the experience.

we were taken aback

Indicates a state of surprise and slight shock.

we were profoundly touched

Highlights a positive emotional experience, suggesting gratitude or empathy.

we were staggered

Suggests being overwhelmed to the point of near collapse or disbelief.

we couldn't help but feel

Implies an involuntary emotional response to a situation.

we were captivated

Implies being completely enthralled and losing oneself in the moment.

we were astounded

Highlights the experience of being amazed or greatly surprised.

FAQs

What does "we were overcome" mean?

The phrase "we were overcome" means that a group of people were overwhelmed by a feeling, emotion, or event. It implies a strong emotional or physical effect that was difficult to resist.

What can I say instead of "we were overcome"?

You can use alternatives like "we were overwhelmed", "we were moved", or "we were deeply affected" depending on the specific context and the emotion you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "we were overcome"?

Yes, "we were overcome" is grammatically correct. It uses the passive voice, indicating that "we" were the recipients of the action of being overcome.

How do I use "we were overcome" in a sentence?

You can use "we were overcome" to describe a powerful emotional experience. For example, "We were overcome with joy at the news of their safe return" or "We were overcome by the beauty of the landscape".