overtime

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overtime" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to hours worked beyond the regular working hours, often resulting in additional pay. Example: "After working overtime last week, I was pleased to see an increase in my paycheck."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It means your dad working all the overtime hours that London Transport will give you, aspiration means your mum, notwithstanding having eight children, works as a seamstress at home as well to make ends meet.

The Guardian

This will be followed by a four-day work-to-rule across the NHS and a ban on overtime in the ambulance service.

The Guardian

Goalies Tuukka Rask and Reimer were both busy in an end-to-end overtime, with Toronto's Matt Frattin hitting Rask's goalpost.

The Guardian - Sport

Michal Handzus scored in second overtime as the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Los Angeles Kings 5-4 in Game 5 on Wednesday to stay alive in the NHL's Western Conference finals.

The Guardian - Sport

Local printers are working overtime to leaflet the town for all 10 candidates.

The Guardian

Frances O'Grady Unpaid overtime is more common in the public sector, with 27.4% of employees working beyond their contracted hours, compared with 18.5% of private sector staff.

The Guardian

Los Angeles' overtime winner shook off the disappointment of conceding an equalizing goal with only 44.1 seconds left in regulation as Alex Pietrangelo scoring on a wrist shot from the point for the Blues, who had pulled their goalkeeper for an extra attacker.

The Guardian - Sport

Boston's David Krejci scored his third goal of the night in overtime Wednesday, giving the Bruins a 4-3 win over Toronto.

The Guardian - Sport

The OECD noted that most workers had seen a decline in incomes folowing cuts in overtime and bonuses rather than hourly wage rates.

The Guardian - Business

It has weathered crises in the past, notably in the 1990s when allegations that it used sweatshop labour prompted then-chief executive Phil Knight to declare that the "Nike product has become synonymous with slave wages, forced overtime and arbitrary abuse".

The Guardian - Sport

In 2012, average pay (including basic pay plus additions such as overtime) was: £30,564 for a nurse, £36,130 for a qualified paramedic, £47,702 for a manager and £109,651 for a consultant, according to NHS Employers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "overtime" to clearly communicate the concept of working beyond regular hours, especially in professional and formal contexts.

Common error

Be cautious when assuming all employees are eligible for "overtime" pay. Many jurisdictions have specific criteria for eligibility, such as job roles or salary thresholds. Always verify the applicable regulations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overtime" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the time worked beyond regular hours. It can also function as an adverb, describing when work is done outside regular hours. Ludwig indicates its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

31%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "overtime" is a common and grammatically correct phrase referring to work performed beyond regular hours. Ludwig's AI confirms its widespread use. It primarily functions as a noun or adverb, serving to describe additional work hours or when such work occurs. Its register is neutral, making it appropriate for various settings, from news reports to business discussions. It's frequently used in contexts related to News & Media and Formal & Business. When discussing labor practices, ensure to accurately define conditions for "overtime" eligibility and compensation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extra hours

Focuses on the additional time worked beyond regular hours.

additional working hours

Emphasizes the addition to the standard work schedule.

extended shift

Highlights the prolonged duration of a work period.

extra innings

Refers to the additional period of play in a baseball game to break a tie, analogous to overtime in other contexts.

supplementary time

Implies time added to the regular schedule or duration.

premium time

Focuses on the higher pay rate associated with working beyond regular hours.

after hours

Indicates work performed outside of the standard operating times.

time and a half

Specifically refers to the overtime pay rate.

unscheduled hours

Emphasizes the unexpected or unplanned nature of the additional work.

extended work period

Broadly refers to a longer-than-usual duration of work.

FAQs

How is "overtime" typically calculated?

Typically, "overtime" is calculated as 1.5 times the employee's regular hourly rate for any hours worked beyond 40 in a work week, though regulations vary by location. Some regions might calculate "premium time" differently.

What are some common alternatives to the word "overtime"?

Alternatives include "extra hours", "additional working hours", or "extended shift", depending on the context.

Is it mandatory for employers to offer "overtime" pay?

Whether "overtime" pay is mandatory depends on local labor laws and employment contracts. Some positions or industries may be exempt from "overtime" regulations.

What's the difference between "overtime" and "compensatory time"?

"Overtime" refers to pay at a rate higher than the standard hourly wage for extra hours worked, while "compensatory time" (or comp time) is time off granted instead of "overtime" pay. The legality of comp time varies.