it overtakes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it overtakes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something surpasses or catches up to something else, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "As the sun began to set, darkness overtakes the landscape, transforming the scenery into a shadowy silhouette."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Once that happens, it overtakes any analysis.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sometimes it overtakes the idea of the performance.

The New York Times

It overtakes a cycle rickshaw carrying seven schoolchildren, two of them standing.

The Economist

Fortunately for Pugh, the feeling vanishes as quickly as it overtakes him, he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Spotify says it's 'a matter of time' before it overtakes Apple's iTunes.

The Guardian - Tech

Sometimes it overtakes what you're really here for and I don't think it's right".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

A stunning achievement, by any yardstick, but has it overtaken its sell-by date?

The New Yorker

Will it overtake the humble photograph?

Independent

Can it overtake Titanic in North America?

The Guardian - Film

But Dell's sales rose 10% as it overtook Compaq.

The Economist

It overtook Prince, which I thought was terrible!

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it overtakes" when you want to emphasize the action of surpassing or catching up, especially in competitive or progressive contexts. For instance, when one technology becomes more popular than another, or when one runner passes another in a race.

Common error

Avoid using "it overtakes" when simply describing a change without a sense of competition or progress. For example, instead of saying "Darkness overtakes the sky", a better phrasing would be "Darkness covers the sky".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it overtakes" typically functions as a verb phrase within a sentence, describing an action where something surpasses or exceeds something else. This usage is validated by Ludwig AI, which provides examples across various contexts, including news and scientific publications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it overtakes" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the action of surpassing or exceeding. As validated by Ludwig AI, its neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. Its communicative purpose is to highlight a change in dominance or status, often in competitive or progressive situations. When considering alternative phrasings, options like "it surpasses" or "it exceeds" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Ensure the context involves an element of progress or competition to accurately apply the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it surpasses

Replaces "overtakes" with a more formal synonym, indicating exceeding or outdoing.

it exceeds

Similar to "surpasses", but often used in the context of limits or expectations.

it outpaces

Emphasizes exceeding in terms of speed or rate.

it eclipses

Implies a more dramatic surpassing, where one thing obscures or diminishes another.

it outdoes

Indicates excelling or surpassing in achievement.

it outstrips

Suggests exceeding in speed or progress.

it leaves behind

Focuses on the act of moving ahead and leaving something in the past.

it transcends

Suggests rising above or beyond the limits of something.

it gains on

Indicates that something is catching up and will soon surpass.

it bests

An informal way of saying something outperforms or defeats something else.

FAQs

How can I use "it overtakes" in a sentence?

The phrase "it overtakes" is used to describe when something surpasses or catches up to something else. For example: "Mobile advertising will hit a landmark moment in 2018 when "it overtakes" the amount spent on traditional desktop advertising".

What are some alternatives to "it overtakes"?

You can use alternatives like "it surpasses", "it exceeds", or "it eclipses" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it overtakes"?

Yes, "it overtakes" is grammatically correct. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers numerous examples of its usage in reliable sources.

When is it appropriate to use "it overtakes" versus "it surpasses"?

"It overtakes" suggests a process of catching up and passing, often in a competitive context. "It surpasses", on the other hand, simply means exceeding or being better than something else, without necessarily implying a chase or competition. Choose "it surpasses" when you want to express that something goes beyond or exceeds another thing without the nuance of one thing catching up to and passing another.