we were overrun

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were overrun" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a place or group has been overwhelmed or taken over, often by a large number of people or things. Example: "During the festival, we were overrun by enthusiastic fans eager to meet the performers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"We were overrun.

The New York Times

No politics were discussed, as we were overrun with children.

The New York Times

In any case, after the shop opened last Wednesday, "we were overrun," Mr. Smith said.

The New York Times

But there were too many out there and we were overrun.

Independent

Ask him how he can justify this manic self-confidence and he'll tell you about the time we were overrun by rats two summers ago.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And even if we were overrun with batteries we couldn't dispose of safely, the climate problem would still trump the battery problem.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

McRobbie concluded the show with a set that was also high on energy but a bit short on gags – he was hampered by the fact we were overrunning and had to axe about half his act.

The Guardian

The audience seemed to like it, and when I came off Stone thrilled me by shaking my hand and saying: "Lovely work". McRobbie concluded the show with a set that was also high on energy but a bit short on gags – he was hampered by the fact we were overrunning and had to axe about half his act.

The Guardian

Actually, he said, "we're overrun with ants right now".

The New York Times

"We're overrun with volunteers," Mr. Lewis said, but most of them have no construction experience.

The New York Times

"We're overrun with gas at the moment," said Ian Macfarlane, Australia's minister for industry, tourism and resources.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To ensure clarity, follow "we were overrun" with a specific detail about what or who caused the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "we were overrun" to describe situations where the group was merely inconvenienced or mildly affected. This phrase implies a significant degree of being overwhelmed and potentially a negative outcome; reserve it for scenarios where the impact was substantial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were overrun" functions as a declarative statement, typically used to describe a past event where a group or entity was overwhelmed by a large number or quantity of something. This is supported by Ludwig's analysis showing several examples of its usage in describing being overwhelmed by people, problems, or tasks.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were overrun" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a situation where a group was overwhelmingly affected by a large number of something, as affirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly found in news and media, this expression effectively conveys a sense of being overwhelmed and often out of control. When using this phrase, remember to ensure it accurately reflects a significant degree of being overwhelmed, rather than a minor inconvenience. Consider alternatives like "we were overwhelmed" or "we were inundated" for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were overwhelmed

Focuses on the emotional and mental state of being unable to cope with the situation.

we were inundated

Emphasizes a flood or excessive amount of something coming in.

we were deluged

Similar to inundated, but with a stronger sense of being flooded.

we were besieged

Highlights the feeling of being surrounded and attacked.

we were swamped

Implies being excessively busy or burdened with tasks.

we were invaded

Suggests an unwelcome intrusion or takeover.

we were snowed under

Conveys being buried or overwhelmed by a large quantity of something, typically tasks or obligations.

we were assaulted

Indicates a sudden and forceful attack, whether physical or metaphorical.

we were hard pressed

Indicates facing significant difficulty or pressure due to overwhelming circumstances.

we were crushed

Expresses a feeling of being defeated or overwhelmed to the point of being emotionally or physically broken.

FAQs

How can I use "we were overrun" in a sentence?

Use "we were overrun" to describe a situation where a group was overwhelmed by a sudden influx of people or things. For example, "During the holiday season, "we were overrun" by tourists".

What's a more formal alternative to "we were overrun"?

A more formal alternative could be "we were overwhelmed". While "we were overrun" is perfectly acceptable, "we were overwhelmed" sounds slightly more professional.

Is it correct to say "we are overrun"?

Yes, "we are overrun" is grammatically correct. It describes a present situation, while "we were overrun" describes a past one. For example, "We are overrun with orders due to the promotion".

What's the difference between "we were overrun" and "we were besieged"?

"We were overrun" implies being overwhelmed by a large number, while "we were besieged" suggests being surrounded and pressured, often by hostile forces. Although similar, "we were besieged" carries a stronger connotation of being under attack.