What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
overflowing
Example
The river was overflowing its banks after the heavy rain. [overflowing: verb]
Example
Her heart was overflowing with joy when she saw her newborn baby. [overflowing: adjective]
full
Example
The glass was full of water. [full: adjective]
Example
I am full after eating a large meal. [full: adjective]
Example
The report is full of useful information. [full: preposition]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Full is more commonly used than overflowing in everyday language. Full is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while overflowing is less common and often used in specific situations where there is a lack of control or containment.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between overflowing and full?
Both overflowing and full can be used in formal and informal contexts, but full is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, making it more suitable for formal writing or speech.