What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
overstrain
Example
I think I overstrained my back while lifting those heavy boxes. [overstrained: verb]
Example
The athlete had to take a break from training due to overstraining his leg muscles. [overstraining: gerund or present participle]
overtax
Example
The teacher felt overtaken by the workload and was overtaxed by the end of the semester. [overtaxed: verb]
Example
The company's finances were overtaken by the pandemic, and they were overtaxed to keep up with the expenses. [overtaxed: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Overtax is more commonly used than overstrain in everyday language. Overtax is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while overstrain is less common and refers specifically to physical strain or stress.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between overstrain and overtax?
Both overstrain and overtax are formal words and are typically used in professional or academic contexts.
