we were overcome by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were overcome by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express being overwhelmed by emotions, sensations, or experiences. Example: "We were overcome by a sense of joy when we heard the good news."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

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 barely holding it together because we are overcome by the loss of our precious Hunter".

Vice

Those idle moments when we're overcome by a fatalistic feeling that "it's all for nothing and you're alone".

Huffington Post

We start to see tragedy all around us and each and every time we experience tragedy going forward, we hit a moment where we are overcome by grief like we had forgotten before.

Huffington Post

More than that, transcendence experience beyond the ordinary--is perhaps most powerfully felt not in our encounter with universals, but when we are overcome by particulars, experiences that are supremely individual.

Huffington Post

Others were overcome by emotion.

The New York Times

My doubts were overcome by several things.

The Guardian

But others say investors were overcome by greed.

The New York Times

Small, plump Maine mussels were overcome by Thai peppers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and choose a synonym if "we were overcome by" doesn't precisely capture the intended nuance. For instance, use "we were overwhelmed by" if emphasizing the magnitude of the experience.

Common error

Avoid using "overcome" in the active voice when you mean to express being affected by something. "We overcame by emotion" is grammatically incorrect; instead, use the passive form, "we were overcome by emotion".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were overcome by" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject (we) experienced a state or emotion brought about by an external force. Ludwig AI indicates this is a correct and usable construction.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were overcome by" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe a powerful emotional or sensory experience that profoundly affects a group of people. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly found in news media and scientific publications. While alternatives like "we were overwhelmed by" or "we were moved by" exist, the specific choice depends on the desired nuance. When using the phrase, ensure it's in the passive voice, and avoid using "overcome" in the active voice. Consider the context and target audience to appropriately convey the intensity of the experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were overwhelmed by

Replaces "overcome" with "overwhelmed", offering a direct synonym with nearly identical meaning.

we were moved by

Indicates a strong emotional response, focusing on the emotional impact of something.

we were affected by

A more general term indicating influence or impact, which may or may not imply being overwhelmed.

we were touched by

Suggests a gentle emotional impact, often implying gratitude or sympathy.

we were stunned by

Emphasizes a sense of shock or disbelief due to something unexpected.

we were captivated by

Implies being fascinated or charmed, highlighting the attractiveness or allure of something.

we were seized by

Conveys a sudden and forceful impact, suggesting a loss of control.

we were consumed by

Indicates that something has completely taken over one's thoughts or feelings.

we experienced

A general term indicating an occurrence or event without conveying the intensity of being overwhelmed.

we went through

Indicates a process or ordeal, focusing on the passage of time and events.

FAQs

What does "we were overcome by" mean?

The phrase "we were overcome by" signifies that a group of people experienced a feeling or sensation so powerful that it overwhelmed them. It suggests a loss of control due to the intensity of the experience.

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

You can use alternatives like "we were overwhelmed by", "we were moved by", or "we were affected by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "we overcame by"?

No, "we overcame by" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "we were overcome by", which uses the passive voice to indicate that the group was acted upon by a feeling or experience.

How does "we were overcome by" differ from "we overcame"?

"We were overcome by" implies that something overwhelmed us, while "we overcame" means that we successfully dealt with or conquered something. The former indicates a passive experience, while the latter indicates an active achievement.