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Angliholic Posted 19 years ago
Grammar
overtake/pass the car in front of us
The road was so narrow that we couldn't pass/overtake the car in front of us.
Do both pass and overtake in the above convey the same idea to you? Are there more alternatives? Thanks.
Do both pass and overtake in the above convey the same idea to you? Are there more alternatives? Thanks.
Top answer
I do not think that they convey the same idea. overtake is more appropriate.
- I do not think that they convey the same idea.
- overtake is more appropriate.
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4 Answers
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I do not think that they convey the same idea. overtake is more appropriate.
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"Overtake" tells us more. It means both vehicles are travelling in the same direction. "Pass" needs context to give us that information. Also "overtake" sounds more forceful or agressive.
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In the U.S., the only version you'll hear in typical conversations is pass.
overtake has the same meaning, but it's in a higher register, used in official literature such as driving manuals issued by the goverment, such as
Be particularly cautious when attempting to overtake another vehicle,
which in ordinary conversation is
Be carefu
overtake has the same meaning, but it's in a higher register, used in official literature such as driving manuals issued by the goverment, such as
Be particularly cautious when attempting to overtake another vehicle,
which in ordinary conversation is
Be carefu
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Pass and overtake are not synonyms. If they were the following would sound ok: If you are coming up Main Street you to overtake a small shopping parade before reaching the station. Pass needs context to make any sense where overtake does not.
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