What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
overtype
Example
I accidentally overtyped the wrong word in my essay. [overtype: verb]
Example
Overtyping can be a useful tool for quickly updating information in a spreadsheet. [overtyping: noun]
overwrite
Example
Be careful not to overwrite important files when saving new ones. [overwrite: verb]
Example
The virus caused the system to overwrite critical data, resulting in a loss of information. [overwrite: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Overwrite is a more commonly used term than overtype in digital contexts, as it is a more general term that covers a wider range of applications. Overtype is a more specific term that is used less frequently.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between overtype and overwrite?
Both overtype and overwrite are technical terms used in digital contexts, and are therefore more formal in nature. However, overwrite is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts, including non-technical ones, making it slightly less formal than overtype.
