Over vs. During — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 27, 2024
Over emphasizes a period or range of time across which events happen, while during focuses on concurrent events within a specific timeframe.
Difference Between Over and During
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Over refers to a span of time during which events or changes occur, often implying a process or transformation. It encompasses beginnings and ends, suggesting a broader scope. For example, one might say, "Her skills improved over the summer," indicating gradual development across the entire season. During, on the other hand, pinpoints a time frame in which specific events take place concurrently with or within that period. It emphasizes being amidst or surrounded by ongoing events. When someone says, "She took intensive courses during the summer," it implies that her studies were confined to this specific period without suggesting a start before or continuation after.
Over can also imply supervision or oversight, suggesting a hierarchical or observational relationship. For instance, in managing projects or people, one might be in charge over a team, indicating a position of authority throughout a certain period. Whereas during does not convey any sense of hierarchy or oversight but simply temporal coincidence. Its use is strictly confined to the context of time, making it more focused on the 'when' aspect of events or activities.
The usage of over can sometimes indicate a comparative or evaluative perspective, looking at changes or differences across time. This can be seen in phrases like, "Sales increased over the previous quarter," where over sets a timeline for comparison. During, however, is used to specify the exact timing of actions or occurrences, without implying comparison or change over time. It's more about specifying when something happens rather than evaluating the changes that occur as time passes.
In some contexts, over can be used to describe actions that span the entirety of a period, often without specific start and end points within that timeframe. It's more flexible in discussing duration or extent across time. During is more precise in timing, requiring a clear and defined period. It's used when the focus is on activities or events that happen at specific times, with less emphasis on the overall span or changes over time.
Comparison Chart
Temporal Scope
Broad, spanning start to end
Confined to a specific period
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Emphasis
Process, change over time
Events occurring within a timeframe
Hierarchical Implication
Often implies oversight or authority
No hierarchical implication
Comparative Use
Used for comparison across times
Used for timing, not comparison
Precision
Flexible, can be vague
Requires clear, defined timeframe
Compare with Definitions
Over
Spanning Time: Over the decade, technological advancements have been significant.
The company's growth over the last year was impressive.
During
Defined Period: During the 1990s, the internet revolution began.
He learned Spanish during his year abroad.
Over
Physical Position: The plane flew over the city.
Birds circled over the lake at dawn.
During
Temporal Coincidence: She took a break during the meeting.
During the summer, the city is bustling with tourists.
Over
Comparative Perspective: Over the course of the project, our understanding deepened.
Over the last month, our team doubled its output.
During
Concurrent Events: Power outages occurred during the storm.
During his tenure, the company expanded globally.
Over
Supervision: She presided over the committee for three years.
He watched over the process to ensure quality.
During
Emphasis on 'When': Calls are not allowed during the performance.
During the night, the forest comes alive with sounds.
Over
More Than: Over 50 participants joined the seminar.
The temperature reached over 30 degrees Celsius.
During
Inside a Period: Attendance drops during holiday seasons.
The park is particularly beautiful during spring.
Over
In or at a position above or higher than
A sign over the door.
A hawk gliding over the hills.
During
Throughout the course or duration of
Suffered food shortages during the war.
Over
Above and across from one end or side to the other
A jump over the fence.
During
At some time in
Was born during a blizzard.
Over
To the other side of; across
Strolled over the bridge.
During
For all of a given time interval.
I lived with my parents during the 1970s.
The shop was one of the few able to stay open during the war.
Over
Across the edge of and down
Fell over the cliff.
During
At any time or period within a given time interval.
I lived with my parents at several points during the 1980s.
Many of the best examples were produced during the Restoration.
Over
On the other side of
A village over the border.
During
Present participle of dure
Over
Upon the surface of
Put a coat of varnish over the woodwork.
During
In the time of; as long as the action or existence of; as, during life; during the space of a year.
Over
On top of or down upon
Clubbed him over the head.
Tripped over the toys.
Over
Through the extent of; all through
Walked over the grounds.
Looked over the report.
Over
Through the medium of; via
Addressed us over the loudspeaker.
Can't tell you over the phone.
Over
So as to cover
Put rocks over a cave entrance.
Threw a shawl over her shoulders.
Over
Up to or higher than the level or height of
The water was over my shoulders.
Over
Through the period or duration of
Records maintained over two years.
Over
Until or beyond the end of
Stayed over the holidays.
Over
More than in degree, quantity, or extent
Over ten miles.
Over a thousand dollars.
Over
In superiority to
Won a narrow victory over her rival.
A distinct advantage over our competitors.
Over
In preference to
Selected him over all the others.
Over
In a position to rule or control
The director presides over the meeting. There is no one over him in the department.
Over
So as to have an effect or influence on
The change that came over you.
Over
At a point at which one is no longer troubled by
I'm not quite over the cold I caught last week.
Over
While occupied with or engaged in
A chat over coffee.
Over
With reference to; concerning
An argument over methods.
Over
Above the top or surface
Climbed the ladder and peered over.
Over
Across to another or opposite side
Stopped at the curb, then crossed over.
Over
Across the edge, brink, or brim
The coffee spilled over.
Over
Across an intervening space
Throw the ball over.
Over
Across a distance in a particular direction or at a location
Lives over in England.
Over
To another often specified place or position
Move your chair over toward the fire.
Over
To one's place of residence or business
Invited us over for cocktails.
Over
Throughout an entire area or region
Wandered all over.
Over
To a different opinion or allegiance
Win someone over.
Over
So as to be comprehensible, acceptable, or effective; across
Eventually got my point over.
Over
To a different person, condition, or title
Sign the property over.
Over
So as to be completely enclosed or covered
The river froze over. Engineers sealed the tunnel entrance over.
Over
Completely through; from beginning to end
Think the problem over. Let's read the memo over.
Over
From an upright position
Kicked the bookstand over.
Over
From an upward position to an inverted or reversed position
Turn the paper over.
Over
Another time; again
Counted his cards over.
Had to do it over.
Over
In repetition
Made me write it ten times over.
Over
In addition or excess; in surplus
Lots of food left over.
Over
Beyond or until a specified time
Stay a day over.
Over
At an end
Summer is over.
Over
A series of six balls bowled from one end of a cricket pitch.
Over
To jump over
Horse and rider overed the stile with ease.
Over
Used in two-way radio to indicate that a transmission is complete and a reply is awaited.
Over
Discontinued; ended or concluded.
The show is over.
Over
Thoroughly; completely; from beginning to end.
Let's talk over the project at tomorrow's meeting.
Let me think that over.
I'm going to look over our department's expenses.
Over
(often in compounds) To an excessive degree; overly.
Over
From an upright position to a horizontal one.
He tipped the bottle over, and the water came gushing out.
That building just fell over!
He bent over to touch his toes.
Over
Horizontally; left to right or right to left.
Slide the toilet-paper dispenser's door over when one roll is empty in order to reveal the other.
I moved over to make room for him to sit down.
Over
From one side of something to another, passing above it.
The fence is too high. I don't think I'll be able to get over.
Over
From one position or state to another.
Please pass that over to me.
He came over to our way of thinking on the new project.
Come over and play!
I'll bring over a pizza.
Over
Overnight throughout the night.
We stayed over at Grandma's.
Can I sleep over?
Over
Again; another time; once more; over again.
I lost my paper and I had to do the entire assignment over.
Over
(cricket) A set of six legal balls bowled.
Over
Any surplus amount of money, goods delivered, etc.
Over
A shore, riverbank.
The sea's over.
Over
Expressing spatial relationship.
Over
On top of; above; higher than; further up.
Hold the sign up over your head.
Over
Across or spanning.
There is a bridge over the river.
I looked out over the sea.
Over
In such a way as to cover.
Drape the fabric over the table.
There is a roof over the house.
Over
From one physical position to another via an obstacle that must be traversed vertically, first upwards and then downwards.
The dog jumped over the fence.
I'll go over [the fence] first and then help you.
Let's walk over the hill to get there.
Over
Expressing comparison.
Over
More than; to a greater degree.
I prefer the purple over the pink.
Over
Beyond; past; exceeding; too much or too far.
I think I’m over my limit for calories for today.
Over
(in certain collocations) As compared to.
Sales are down this quarter over last.
Over
Indicating relative status, authority, or power
The owner's son lorded it over the experienced managers.
The prince ruled over a portion of the kingdom.
Over
(mathematics) Divided by.
Two over six equals one over three.
Over
(poker) Separates the three of a kind from the pair in a full house.
9♦9♠9♣6♥6♠ = nines over sixes
Over
Finished with; done with; from one state to another via a hindrance that must be solved or defeated; or via a third state that represents a significant difference from the first two.
We got over the engineering problems and the prototype works great.
I am over my cold and feel great again.
I know the referee made a bad call, but you have to get over it [your annoyance with the referee's decision].
She is finally over [the distress of] losing her job.
He is finally over his [distress over the loss of the relationship with his] ex-girlfriend.
Over
While using, especially while consuming.
Over
Concerning or regarding.
The two boys had a fight over whose girlfriend was the best.
Over
Above, implying superiority after a contest; in spite of; notwithstanding.
We triumphed over difficulties.
The bill was passed over the veto.
It was a fine victory over their opponents.
Over
A radio procedure word meaning that the station is finished with its transmission and is expecting a response.
Bravo Six, this is Bravo Six Four. Stand by for ten mike report one dash three, over.
Bravo Six Four, this is Bravo Six Actual. Send your traffic, over.
How do you receive? Over!
Over
To go over, or jump over.
He overed the fence in good style.
Over
To run about.
The cattle have been overing all day because of the flies.
Over
Above, or higher than, in place or position, with the idea of covering; - opposed to under; as, clouds are over our heads; the smoke rises over the city.
The mercy seat that is over the testimony.
Over them gleamed far off the crimson banners of morning.
Over
Across; from side to side of; - implying a passing or moving, either above the substance or thing, or on the surface of it; as, a dog leaps over a stream or a table.
Certain lakes . . . poison birds which fly over them.
Over
Upon the surface of, or the whole surface of; hither and thither upon; throughout the whole extent of; as, to wander over the earth; to walk over a field, or over a city.
Over
Above; - implying superiority in excellence, dignity, condition, or value; as, the advantages which the Christian world has over the heathen.
Over
Above in authority or station; - implying government, direction, care, attention, guard, responsibility, etc.; - opposed to under.
Thou shalt be over my house.
I will make thee rules over many things.
Dost thou not watch over my sin ?
His tender mercies are over all his works.
Over
Across or during the time of; from beginning to end of; as, to keep anything over night; to keep corn over winter.
Over
Above the perpendicular height or length of, with an idea of measurement; as, the water, or the depth of water, was over his head, over his shoes.
Over
Beyond; in excess of; in addition to; more than; as, it cost over five dollars.
Over
Above, implying superiority after a contest; in spite of; notwithstanding; as, he triumphed over difficulties; the bill was passed over the veto.
Over
From one side to another; from side to side; across; crosswise; as, a board, or a tree, a foot over, i. e., a foot in diameter.
Over
From one person or place to another regarded as on the opposite side of a space or barrier; - used with verbs of motion; as, to sail over to England; to hand over the money; to go over to the enemy.
Over
From beginning to end; throughout the course, extent, or expanse of anything; as, to look over accounts, or a stock of goods; a dress covered over with jewels.
Over
From inside to outside, above or across the brim.
Good measure, pressed down . . . and running over.
Over
Beyond a limit; hence, in excessive degree or quantity; superfluously; with repetition; as, to do the whole work over.
He that gathered much had nothing over.
Over
In a manner to bring the under side to or towards the top; as, to turn (one's self) over; to roll a stone over; to turn over the leaves; to tip over a cart.
Over
Completed; at an end; beyond the limit of continuance; finished; as, when will the play be over?.
Over
Excessively; too much or too greatly; - chiefly used in composition; as, overwork, overhasty, overeager, overanxious, overreact, overcook.
Over
Upper; covering; higher; superior; - chiefly used in composition; as, overshoes, overcoat, over-garment, overlord.
Over
Excessive; too much or too great; - chiefly used in composition; as, overwork, overhaste, overreaction.
Over
A certain number of balls (usually four) delivered successively from behind one wicket, after which the ball is bowled from behind the other wicket as many times, the fielders changing places.
Over
(cricket) the period during which a given number of balls (6 in England but 8 in Australia) are bowled at the batsman by one player from the other team from the same end of the pitch
Over
Having come or been brought to a conclusion;
The harvesting was complete
The affair is over, ended, finished
The abruptly terminated interview
Over
At or to a point across intervening space etc.;
Come over and see us some time
Over there
Over
Throughout an area;
He is known the world over
Over
In such a manner as to be understood and accepted;
She cannot get her ideas across
Over
Throughout a period of time;
Stay over the weekend
Common Curiosities
Can during indicate supervision or oversight?
No, during does not imply supervision or oversight; it is purely related to time.
Can over and during be used interchangeably?
No, over generally refers to a span of time with an emphasis on duration or change, while during focuses on events within a specific period.
What is the difference in hierarchy implication between over and during?
Over can imply hierarchy or oversight, whereas during has no such connotation.
Can during be used to discuss physical locations?
No, during is specifically related to time and not used for physical locations.
Can over be used to discuss amounts?
Yes, over can indicate quantities exceeding a certain number, such as "over 100 participants."
Is during appropriate for discussing processes or changes over time?
No, during is used for events within a period, not for indicating changes or processes over time.
Is over used for specific time points?
No, over indicates a period rather than specific time points, often suggesting a process or change over time.
Does during imply anything about the start or end of a period?
During focuses on events occurring within a timeframe, without suggesting anything about the period's start or end outside of it.
Is over suitable for precise timing?
Over is more about spanning time and is less precise compared to during, which is used for specific periods.
How does over express comparison?
Over can indicate comparative changes across time, such as improvements or increases over a period.
What kind of events does during typically refer to?
During refers to events or actions that happen concurrently with or within a specific timeframe.
How does the use of during affect the specificity of an event's timing?
During provides a clear, defined timeframe for when specific events occur.
How do over and during differ in comparative use?
Over is used for comparisons over time, while during is not used for comparisons but for specific timing.
Can over be vague in its timing?
Yes, over can be flexible and sometimes vague, emphasizing the duration rather than precise timing.
Is it correct to say "over the night" for events happening at night?
No, "during the night" is the correct usage for events happening at specific times in the night.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
