What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
runoff
Example
The heavy rain caused a lot of runoff in the streets. [runoff: noun]
Example
The water was running off the roof and into the gutter. [running off: verb phrase]
overflow
Example
The sink overflowed with bubbles when I added too much soap. [overflowed: past tense]
Example
The river overflowed its banks and flooded the surrounding area. [overflow: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Overflow is more commonly used than runoff in everyday language. Overflow is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while runoff is more specific and often used in scientific or environmental contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between runoff and overflow?
Both runoff and overflow are neutral terms that can be used in formal or informal contexts.
