What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
intersecting
Example
The two roads intersected at the traffic light. [intersected: past tense]
Example
The two research projects intersected at the topic of climate change. [intersected: past participle]
overlapping
Example
The two circles overlapped in the middle. [overlapped: past tense]
Example
The two meetings overlapped by half an hour. [overlapped: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Overlapping is more commonly used than intersecting in everyday language, as it has a wider range of applications and is more versatile in describing various situations. Intersecting, on the other hand, is more specific and less commonly used outside of mathematical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between intersecting and overlapping?
Intersecting is generally considered more formal than overlapping, due to its association with mathematical and scientific terminology. However, both words can be used in formal or informal contexts depending on the situation and audience.
