were overcome with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were overcome with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong emotional reaction or feeling that someone experiences, often in response to a situation or event. Example: "They were overcome with joy when they heard the news of their victory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The parents were overcome with regret.

The New York Times

Some of those fans were overcome with emotion when the bus carrying the message "Brace Yourselves!

The Guardian - Sport

Relatives, friends and neighbors were overcome with grief and offered portraits of close-knit, loving families.

The New York Times

The two men, watching the whale swim away, were overcome with emotion.

The New Yorker

So perhaps his listeners were overcome with what sounded like news.

The New York Times - Sports

All three were overcome with emotion as they held each other close.

The Guardian

By the time you arrived you were overcome with the heady scent of nicotine and coffee.

The Guardian

But the residents were grateful, so much so that some were overcome with tears.

The New York Times - Sports

Police Commissioner Bernard B. Kerik said some rescue workers were overcome with emotion when they spoke to the president.

The New York Times

Perhaps the decision-makers high above Penn Plaza saw Longley in the opening ceremony and were overcome with Olympic spirit.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Frank is overcome with admiration.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were overcome with" to emphasize a powerful or intense reaction. Avoid it for mild or commonplace feelings.

Common error

Ensure the verb "were" agrees with the subject; if the subject is singular, use "was overcome with". Example: "She was overcome with emotion."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were overcome with" functions as a verb phrase expressing a passive experience of being overwhelmed by a strong emotion or feeling. It indicates that an external force or situation has a significant impact on the subject. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which recognizes its correct grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

13%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were overcome with" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to describe a state of being overwhelmed by a strong emotion or experience. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, highlighting its function as a descriptor of intense reactions. Predominantly found in neutral contexts like news and media, but also present in scientific and encyclopedic sources, this phrase effectively conveys the impact of external forces on individuals or groups. Understanding the nuances of its usage, as well as being aware of subject-verb agreement, ensures clarity and accuracy in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were overwhelmed by

Focuses on the feeling of being overpowered, similar to being overcome.

were moved by

Highlights the emotional impact experienced.

were filled with

Emphasizes the state of being completely full of a particular feeling.

were gripped by

Suggests a strong, seizing effect of an emotion or experience.

were seized by

Similar to "were gripped by", indicating a sudden and powerful emotional impact.

were consumed by

Implies a feeling or thought taking over completely.

succumbed to

Indicates giving in to an overwhelming force or emotion.

were dominated by

Highlights the control exerted by a feeling or situation.

were overpowered by

Conveys a sense of being unable to resist a strong force or emotion.

were influenced by

Suggests a milder impact, indicating a degree of being affected.

FAQs

How can I use "were overcome with" in a sentence?

Use "were overcome with" to describe a situation where someone experiences a strong emotion or is greatly affected by something. For example: "They "were overcome with joy" at the news."

What's a good alternative to "were overcome with"?

Alternatives include "were overwhelmed by", "were moved by", or "were filled with", depending on the specific emotion or situation.

Is it correct to say "was overcome with" instead of "were overcome with"?

Yes, "was overcome with" is correct when the subject is singular. For instance, "She "was overcome with sadness"." The plural form, "were", is used for plural subjects.

What's the difference between "were overcome with" and "were affected by"?

"Were overcome with" suggests a more intense and overwhelming experience than "were affected by". Being "affected by" implies a milder influence, while being "overcome with" suggests a powerful emotional or physical response.