What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
overtake
Example
The red car overtook the blue car on the highway. [overtake: verb]
Example
Our team managed to overtake the leading team in the last lap of the race. [overtaking: gerund or present participle]
eclipse
Example
We witnessed a total solar eclipse last year. [eclipse: noun]
Example
Her performance in the play completely eclipsed that of her co-stars. [eclipsed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Overtake is more commonly used than eclipse in everyday language, especially in the context of sports and driving. Eclipse is less common and tends to be used in more formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between overtake and eclipse?
While overtake is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, eclipse is more formal and tends to be used in literary or academic writing.
