overseeing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overseeing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of supervising or managing a task, project, or group of people. Example: "She is responsible for overseeing the entire project to ensure it meets the deadlines and quality standards."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The result is a consumer financial-protection agency that's prevented from overseeing one of the most common, and most important, financial products that consumers buy.

The Economist

Nicolle Wallace, the former aide to George W Bush who struggled to control Palin while charged with overseeing her for the presidential campaign of Senator John McCain in 2008, said the speech had given the public a true picture of the former governor.

The Guardian

In one corner, Abbas was overseeing the hanging of his atmospheric black-and-white prints of human shadows, while in another the young South African artist Mikhael Subotzky was fine-tuning the colour definition on his video and sound projection.

The Guardian - Arts

The Audience, which imagines the Queen's private weekly meetings with prime ministers from Winston Churchill to David Cameron, gets five nominations, including best director for Stephen Daldry, fresh from his year overseeing the Olympic opening and closing ceremonies.

The Guardian

If you are aiming to get coverage January 1, you should try to sign up today," said Julie Bataille, a spokeswoman for the federal agency overseeing the overhaul.

The Guardian

(He is overseeing the independent internal investigation into the phone hacking scandal).

The Guardian

At ITV News, Turness is credited with overseeing a robust nine years at the programme, covering two general elections and a series of momentous world news events.

The Guardian

It was empathy that turned him into a politician when, in his gap year, he was manager of Mtabila refugee camp, overseeing 120,000 Burundi refugees.

The Guardian

Africom (United States Africa Command), the military body that is responsible for overseeing US military operations across Africa, gained much from #KONY2012 and will now gain even more from #BringBackOurGirls.

The Guardian

Belgian owner Roland Duchâtelet has regrouped again this summer, hiring compatriot Bob Peeters and overseeing a raft of transfer activity that, for now, makes the Addicks one of this season's least predictable quantities.

The Guardian - Sport

Thiam is credited with turning Prudential into Britain's most successful insurance company by overseeing rapid growth in Asia and the US.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "overseeing", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being supervised or managed to avoid ambiguity. For example, "overseeing the construction project" is clearer than simply "overseeing".

Common error

Avoid using "overseeing" without specifying what is being overseen. Vague usage can confuse the reader and weaken the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "overseeing" is that of a present participle or gerund, typically used as part of a continuous verb tense (e.g., "is overseeing") or as a noun (e.g., "overseeing the project"). Ludwig confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overseeing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb form, denoting the act of supervising or managing. Ludwig's analysis confirms its widespread application across diverse contexts, primarily in news and business domains. Alternatives such as "supervising" and "managing" offer similar meanings, each with subtle nuances. When writing, ensure the object of "overseeing" is clear to prevent ambiguity. Ludwig helps to contextualize and clarify its usage, making it a reliable tool for understanding this common term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supervising

Similar in meaning, but focuses more on the act of directing and controlling activities.

monitoring

Highlights continuous observation for changes or problems.

managing

Implies a broader role including planning and organizing, not just watching over.

directing

Focuses on guiding the course or actions of something.

administering

Suggests a more formal and procedural management style.

controlling

Suggests a tighter level of regulation and authority.

heading

Highlights the leadership aspect of being in charge.

leading

Emphasizes guidance and direction more than direct control.

governing

Implies a higher level of authority and rule.

inspecting

Focuses on checking and verifying to ensure standards are met.

FAQs

How do I use "overseeing" in a sentence?

Use "overseeing" to describe the act of supervising or managing a process, project, or group. For example: "She is "responsible for" overseeing the budget." Other alternatives are "supervising" or "managing".

What's the difference between "overseeing" and "supervising"?

"Overseeing" generally implies a broader, more strategic role in managing something, while "supervising" suggests a more direct, hands-on approach. The choice depends on the context and the specific responsibilities involved.

What are some alternatives to "overseeing"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "managing", "administering", "directing", or "monitoring". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "overseeing" in formal writing?

Yes, "overseeing" is perfectly acceptable in formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to describe supervisory or managerial responsibilities. However, always ensure the context is clear to avoid any ambiguity.