What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
teemed
Example
The streets were teeming with tourists during the summer season. [teeming: verb]
Example
The lake was teeming with fish, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. [teeming: adjective]
overflow
Example
The river overflowed its banks after heavy rainfall. [overflowed: past tense]
Example
The basket was overflowing with fresh fruits and vegetables from the farmer's market. [overflowing: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Overflow is more commonly used than teemed in everyday language, as it can be used in a wider range of contexts. Teemed is less common and is often used in specific contexts, such as describing a place or event that is full of people or animals.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between teemed and overflow?
Both teemed and overflow are relatively formal words, but can be used in both formal and informal contexts depending on the situation and tone of the conversation.