overlap

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "overlap" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when two or more items share a common area or element. For example, "The two schedules overlapped, so I had to choose which commitments I wanted to take on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a hypothetical Venn diagram, one circle representing extremist Christians and the other fundamentalist capitalists, the lens-shaped overlap contains Sam Brownback, the newly re-elected governor of Kansas.

The Guardian

It also said that during the six months after July 2007 he started claiming expenses relating to his grace-and-favour apartment in Downing Street, meaning that there was an overlap period when he was apparently contravening parliamentary rules saying that MPs should only claim for one second property at any one time.

The Guardian

"There is increasingly overlap of competition in different markets," said Lovefilm chief executive Simon Calver.

The Guardian - Business

One saving grace of the first half of this late-season split round is that there is no maddening overlap of game times so those of us with no social prospects can watch each game live, in isolation (that works on two levels, see?).

The Guardian - Sport

They do not account for when race and sexuality overlap.

The Guardian - Opinion

That's a lot of overlap – and that's almost certainly an undercount, because police departments in places a lot worse than Kansas City aren't all that interested in counting.

The Guardian - Opinion

Luke Beveridge's men impressed with their slick ball movement and overlap run, but also pressured their opponents into costly turnovers and ran hard defensively when they didn't have the ball.

The Guardian - Sport

Both Dani Alves and Jordi Alba would have space in front of them to exploit, opening an avenue for them to overlap Messi and Neymar as they cut infield.

The Guardian - Sport

What would be interesting to know if the overlap between iPod Touch owners and BBM users.

The Guardian - Tech

There are significant differences between the parties on the issues of independence and Trident nuclear weapons, but also some ideological overlap when it comes to the politics of the left.

The Guardian

If you drew a Venn diagram, people who are worried about rape in the "real world" would doubtless overlap significantly with people who are concerned about the portrayal of fictional rape; nor are they wrong to be.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts, use "overlap" to illustrate shared areas or common ground, promoting understanding and agreement.

Common error

Avoid using "overlap" when referring to completely unrelated subjects. Ensure there's a tangible or conceptual connection for the term to be appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "overlap" is to describe the condition where two or more things share a common area, feature, or period of time. As evidenced by Ludwig, this can apply to both physical objects and abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overlap" is a versatile term used to describe the sharing of space, time, characteristics, or ideas between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and high frequency across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. When writing, ensure a genuine connection exists between the subjects you're describing. Alternatives like "intersect", "coincide", and "have in common" can offer nuanced meanings. As Ludwig's examples illustrate, mastering "overlap" enhances clarity and precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intersect

Focuses on the point or line where two things meet or cross each other.

coincide

Emphasizes the occurrence of two or more things at the same time or in the same place.

have in common

Highlights shared traits, qualities, or interests between two or more entities.

share characteristics

Focuses on similar features or attributes possessed by different subjects.

have elements in common

Highlights that various items share common aspects or parts.

partially coincide

Indicates a partial alignment or overlap between two things, not a complete one.

have a connection

Emphasizes a link or association between separate items.

bear resemblance

Focuses on similarities in appearance or qualities.

are related

Indicates a relationship or association, without specifying the nature of the connection.

have something to do with

Implies an association or relevance without specifics.

FAQs

How can I use "overlap" in a sentence?

You can use "overlap" to describe situations where two or more things share a common part or area, such as "The schedules of the meetings "overlapped", causing a conflict".

What's the difference between "overlap" and "intersect"?

"Overlap" implies a partial covering or sharing of space or characteristics, while "intersect" suggests a point or line where two things cross each other. While similar, "intersect" is more specific to a point of crossing.

What can I say instead of "overlap"?

You can use alternatives like "coincide", "have in common", or "share characteristics" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "there is an overlap between" A and B?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. You can also say "A and B "overlap"".