overseas

USAGE SUMMARY

'overseas' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a place that is located far away from the speaker, typically in another country or continent. Example sentence: My parents spent their summer vacation overseas this year.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cameron will also set out plans to restrict foreigners from access to social housing if they have not been resident in the UK for five years, plans widely trailed over the weekend, as well as making it easier for the NHS to claim back the costs of treating people from overseas.

The Guardian

Many of our citizens have been threatened and driven from their overseas homes by vicious mobs shouting "Death to America".

The New York Times

Cruz sought to tie Obama's record overseas to the likely Democratic nominee, who was seldom mentioned in the day's speeches.

The Guardian

His tenure has also brought NT Live, the scheme through which plays from the National are broadcast live in cinemas in Britain and overseas.

The Guardian

The charity's co-founder, David Coles, says that bringing in overseas volunteers for a six-week project, for example, can be hugely beneficial in terms of sharing skills and exchanging ideas.

The Guardian

The four-month trial will be the first time BP has faced a UK court over its actions overseas and the first time compensation for environmental damage to privately owned land, caused by a UK oil company, has been litigated in the UK.

The Guardian

Green shoot rating 3 out of 5 Colleges and universities are seeing strong interest from overseas students who pay large fees.

The Guardian - Business

Central London retail is being supported by overseas money for the same reason.

The Guardian - Business

"I suppose I appealed more to the working-class man, the people who worked in the meat works and the factories," he said in 2007, after announcing his intention to leave New Zealand to play overseas.

The Guardian - Sport

The prime minister underlined the government would not allow Australian "jihadists" fighting in overseas conflicts back into the country.

The Guardian

While those abuses impacted people overseas, Homan Square – said to house military-style vehicles, interrogation cells and even a cage – trains its focus on Americans, most often poor, black and brown.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "overseas" to describe locations, travel, or operations that are across an ocean or sea, or generally in a foreign country. This word is appropriate when emphasizing the geographical distance or foreign nature of the destination.

Common error

Avoid using "overseas" when referring to locations that are merely across a land border. "Overseas" typically implies travel across an ocean or significant body of water.

Linguistic Context

The word "overseas" functions primarily as an adverb or adjective, modifying verbs or nouns to indicate a location or activity situated in a foreign country or across the sea. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overseas" is a versatile term functioning as both an adjective and an adverb, primarily used to denote locations, activities, or entities situated in a foreign country or across the sea. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread use. Its frequent appearance in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts underscores its relevance across diverse domains. When employing "overseas", clarity is crucial: ensure the context clearly indicates the reference point. Remember, "overseas" specifically implies crossing a body of water, differentiating it from the broader term "abroad".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abroad

Refers to being in or going to a foreign country, similar to "overseas" but more general.

out of the country

A simple and direct way to indicate that someone or something is not within the speaker's country.

in a foreign country

Explicitly states the location as not being one's own country, offering a clearer alternative.

in another nation

Highlights the different nationality of the location, useful in discussions about cultural or political differences.

internationally

Focuses on the global aspect, suitable when discussing activities or events involving multiple countries.

in foreign lands

A more evocative and less formal way of saying "overseas", emphasizing the exotic nature of foreign locations.

beyond national borders

Highlights the crossing of borders, useful in political or economic contexts.

in distant lands

Emphasizes the remoteness of the location, implying a significant distance from home.

on foreign soil

Suggests a physical presence in a foreign country, often used in military or agricultural contexts.

transnationally

Indicates activities or organizations that operate across national boundaries, often in a business or political context.

FAQs

How is "overseas" used in a sentence?

You can use "overseas" to describe locations, activities, or people that are in or related to a foreign country. For example, "The company has "overseas branches"" or "She is traveling "overseas for work"".

What's the difference between "overseas" and "abroad"?

"Overseas" generally implies a journey across an ocean or sea, while "abroad" simply means in a foreign country. "Overseas" can add an element of distance or travel by sea, which "abroad" doesn't necessarily convey.

Which is correct, "overseas travel" or "oversea travel"?

"Overseas travel" is the correct and more common form. "Oversea travel" is less frequently used. Both forms are grammatically acceptable, but "overseas" is the preferred choice.

What can I say instead of "overseas"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "in a foreign country", "internationally", or "in distant lands" to convey the same meaning.