What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
overboard
Example
He went overboard with his criticism and hurt her feelings. [overboard: adverb]
Example
She spent so much money on the party that it was overboard. [overboard: adjective]
excessive
Example
The teacher gave him an F for his excessive absences. [excessive: adjective]
Example
She drank excessively at the party and ended up getting sick. [excessively: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Excessive is more commonly used than overboard in everyday language. Excessive is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while overboard is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between overboard and excessive?
Excessive is more formal and academic than overboard, which has a more informal and colloquial tone. Therefore, excessive is more appropriate for formal writing or professional contexts.
