What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
overturning
Example
The truck overturned on the highway, causing a traffic jam. [overturned: verb]
Example
The court's decision was overturned by the appeals court. [overturning: gerund or present participle]
overthrow
Example
The rebels attempted to overthrow the government in a violent coup. [overthrow: verb]
Example
The revolution resulted in the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic. [overthrow: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Overturning is more commonly used than overthrow in everyday language, especially in legal or administrative contexts. Overthrow is more specialized and is typically used in political or historical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between overturning and overthrow?
Both overturning and overthrow can be used in formal contexts, but overturning is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings, while overthrow is more commonly used in formal or academic writing.