go into overtime

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "go into overtime" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when referring to an event or activity that lasts longer than expected due to its popularity. For example: "The concert went into overtime as the audience kept singing along to the encore."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

We have to go into overtime".

The New York Times - Sports

"I did not want this game to go into overtime".

The New York Times - Sports

(Sample: "This piece is definitely going to go into overtime").

The New York Times - Tech

If they miss it they go into overtime.

The Guardian - Sport

Pedersen passed to Wiggins, who seemed prepared to let the game go into overtime.

The New York Times - Sports

He was incensed that the Nets did not go into overtime.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

One of the games went into overtime.

The New York Times - Sports

" 'The game could be going into overtime!

The New York Times

Then, the game went into overtime.

The New York Times

The opening game, against Cleveland, went into overtime.

The New York Times - Sports

Their first four home games went into overtime.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "go into overtime" when referring to events, especially sports games or legislative sessions, that extend beyond their scheduled duration. It can also be used metaphorically to describe situations requiring extra effort or time.

Common error

Avoid using "go into overtime" in contexts where a simple extension of time is meant. For example, instead of saying "The meeting went into overtime by 10 minutes", use "The meeting ran over by 10 minutes".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go into overtime" functions as an idiomatic expression, primarily used to indicate that an event or activity, particularly a sports game or a legislative session, has extended beyond its scheduled or expected duration, or requires additional effort. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

30%

General

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "go into overtime" is a common idiomatic expression primarily used in sports and news reporting to indicate that an event has extended beyond its scheduled duration or requires extra effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct. While frequently appearing in sports and news contexts, it can also be used more generally. When writing, consider the context to ensure the phrase is appropriate; it's best suited for scenarios where an event truly exceeds normal limits. Be aware of potential misinterpretations in formal or business settings, where clearer language may be preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enter extra time

This alternative is specific to sports, indicating the extension of a game beyond regulation time.

extend beyond regulation

Similar to "enter extra time", but with a slightly more formal tone.

require additional time

This alternative is more general and can apply to various situations, not just sports.

keep working beyond the limit

Highlights the act of surpassing a predefined boundary or restriction.

prolong the activity

Indicates the act of making an activity last longer than initially planned.

continue past the deadline

This alternative applies to tasks or projects that exceed their intended completion time.

stretch out the duration

This alternative focuses on the elongation of an event or activity.

go the distance

An idiomatic expression meaning to persevere until the end, often implying a challenging or lengthy process.

work extended hours

This refers specifically to working longer than the standard working day.

put in extra effort

This implies additional work or exertion to achieve a goal, often beyond what is normally required.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "go into overtime"?

Use "go into overtime" primarily when referring to sports games or legislative sessions that extend beyond the scheduled time. It can also be used metaphorically to describe situations requiring extra effort or time, as confirmed by "Ludwig".

What does it mean for a legislative session to "go into overtime"?

When a legislative session "goes into overtime", it means that lawmakers continue working beyond the initially scheduled end date to complete pending business, often budgets or critical legislation.

Are there alternative phrases I can use instead of "go into overtime"?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "require additional time", "extend beyond regulation", or "continue past the deadline". These offer similar meanings with varying degrees of formality.

Is it correct to use "go into overtime" in a business setting?

Yes, it's acceptable to use "go into overtime" metaphorically in a business setting to describe projects or tasks that require significantly more time and effort than initially anticipated. However, in this context, it is more common to use the phrase to describe working hours.