overlap between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overlap between" is an appropriate and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it when you are referring to an area of shared interest between two or more topics, ideas, or entities. For example, "There is a significant overlap between the subject matter of the two courses."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But there's a lot of overlap between them.

Vice

There is overlap between these categories.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There's considerable sonic overlap between them.

The New York Times - Arts

Would there be overlap between tasks?

The New York Times - Arts

There will be overlap between the two".

The New York Times - Tech

Enlarged region contains overlap between adjacent tiles.

Nature

There's zero overlap between these two lists.

The Washington Post

There's overlap between those questions, of course.

The Washington Post

Note the overlap between the two chips.

Harvard University

There's also a poignant overlap between actor and role.

The Guardian - Film

Privately, perhaps, he relished the overlap between theory and practice.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing shared features or responsibilities, use "overlap between" to clearly indicate the common ground between distinct entities. For example, "There is significant overlap between the duties of the two departments."

Common error

Avoid using "overlap between" when you mean complete equivalence. Overlap implies a partial sharing, not a total identity. For example, instead of "The roles have a total overlap between them", specify if the roles are completely identical or only partially shared.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overlap between" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the extent of shared characteristics or common ground between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is frequently used and grammatically sound. Examples show its versatility in describing shared features.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

29%

Science

27%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "overlap between" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase for indicating shared characteristics or common ground between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, including academia, news, and science. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's important to avoid confusing overlap with equivalence, as "overlap" implies a partial sharing, not a total identity. Related phrases such as "intersection between" and "commonality between" offer similar but nuanced ways to express these relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intersection between

Focuses on the point where things meet or cross, rather than the general shared area.

commonality between

Highlights shared characteristics or features, emphasizing similarity.

shared area between

Emphasizes a specific, defined space or domain that is mutually occupied or relevant.

connection between

Suggests a link or relationship, which may not necessarily imply direct sharing but rather an influence or association.

relationship between

Broadly indicates a connection or interaction, which can be less specific than shared elements.

correlation between

Implies a statistical association or interdependence, rather than a direct sharing of elements.

correspondence between

Highlights a similarity or analogy, often implying a matching or parallel relationship.

linkage between

Suggests a connection, but less strongly than a direct overlap; focuses on the linking mechanism.

interface between

Describes a point of interaction or a boundary where two systems or entities meet.

association between

Indicates a general relationship or connection, which may be less direct than an overlap.

FAQs

How can I use "overlap between" in a sentence?

Use "overlap between" to indicate the degree to which two or more things share common elements or features. For instance, "There's a significant overlap between the skills required for both jobs."

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

"Intersection between" refers to the exact point or area where things meet, while "overlap between" refers to the general shared area, which could be broader.

Which is a better phrase to use, "common between" or "overlap between"?

"Overlap between" is generally preferred over "common between" as it is more idiomatic and clearly conveys the idea of shared elements or areas.

Can "overlap between" be used for abstract concepts?

Yes, "overlap between" is often used for abstract concepts such as ideas, theories, or responsibilities. For example, "There is considerable overlap between the two philosophical viewpoints."