What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
overtaking
Example
The car behind us is overtaking us on the highway. [overtaking: present participle]
Example
She overtook her opponent in the final stretch of the race. [overtook: past tense]
passing
Example
I'm going to pass this slow-moving truck on the left. [pass: verb]
Example
He felt a sense of sadness after the passing of his grandfather. [passing: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Passing is more commonly used than overtaking in everyday language, especially in American English. Overtaking is more common in British English and is often associated with driving or racing contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between overtaking and passing?
Both overtaking and passing are relatively formal words and may not be commonly used in casual conversation. However, passing can also refer to the act of dying, which may make it more somber or serious in tone.
