Differences between spill over and tip over
Spill over and tip over both refer to the movement of liquid out of a container, but spill over implies that the liquid is overflowing due to being too full, while tip over implies that the container has fallen or been knocked over.
Meanings and Definitions: spill over vs tip over
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Spill over
- 1When something bad has a wider impact on other people or situations.
The protests and demonstrations have SPILLED OVER into neighbouring states.
- 2Flow over the edge or top of a container.
I forgot to turn the tap off and the water SPILLED OVER.
Tip over
- 1Spill, make something fall on its side.
I TIPPED my coffee OVER and ruined my keyboard.
Usage Examples: spill over, tip over in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
spill over
Example
Be careful not to let the soup spill over the edge of the bowl.
Example
When the pot is too full, the water spills over while boiling.
tip over
Example
Be careful not to tip over the vase on the table.
Example
The cat often tips over the water bowl.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Spill over
To flow over the edge or brim of a container due to being too full.
Example
The bathtub overflowed with bubbles when she poured in too much bubble bath.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Tip over
To turn something upside down or on its side.
Example
She upended the box to see what was inside.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “spill”
Phrasal Verbs with “tip”
Phrasal Verbs with “over”
- toy over
- double over
- give over
- think over
- freeze over
Differences in spill over vs tip over: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: spill over or tip over?
Both spill over and tip over are common phrasal verbs used in everyday conversation. However, tip over is more commonly used when referring to accidents or mishaps involving containers, while spill over is more commonly used when referring to situations where something exceeds its capacity.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of spill over and tip over
Neither spill over nor tip over are particularly formal expressions, but tip over may be slightly more informal than spill over due to its association with accidents and clumsiness.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of spill over and tip over
The tone of spill over is often neutral or slightly negative, as it usually implies that something has exceeded its limit or capacity. The tone of tip over can vary depending on context, but it often carries a sense of surprise or concern, as it implies that something has fallen or been knocked over unexpectedly.
