What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
overtook
Example
The car overtook the truck on the highway. [overtook: past tense]
Example
Our company overtook our competitors in sales this quarter. [overtook: verb]
surpassed
Example
Her performance surpassed all expectations. [surpassed: past tense]
Example
The new technology has surpassed its predecessor in terms of speed and efficiency. [surpassed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Surpassed is more commonly used than overtook in everyday language. Surpassed is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while overtook is less common and often used in the context of a race or competition.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between overtook and surpassed?
Both overtook and surpassed are formal words that can be used in academic or professional contexts. However, surpassed may be more appropriate in formal writing due to its versatility and lack of directional connotation.
