Some people misuse the words overdo and overdue in their writing. This is understandable as these terms are heterographs, words that sound the same but have different spellings and meanings. Let us magnify the line separating these two terms and clarify how these two words are used properly.
The term overdo is used as a verb which means ”to do, use, or carry to excess,” “to exaggerate,” or “to exhaust oneself by overwork or overexertion.”
It’s March, and some men overdo it with exercise. That’s madness – Saunders
News and ObserverPGA Tour Champions: Fran Quinn learns first lesson — don’t overdo it on the pro-ams
Worcester TelegramStock-Picking Champ Is a Do-Gooder Who Doesn’t Overdo Idealism
Bloomberg
It may also be used as a verb that specifically means “to cook food too long” or “to overcook.”
“Don’t overdo it; the dough shouldn’t form a ball or ride on the blade.”
Chicago Daily Herald“…Champagne and oysters in reception are a nice touch, but make sure not to overdo it on the Tabasco sauce.”
Irish Independent“One cannot overdo it either with celery and carrots…”
Aitkin Independent Age
Meanwhile, the word overdue is used an adjective which means “not having arrived, happened, or been done by the expected time.”
Hanergy seeks trading resumption as parent pays down overdue cash
NasdaqFour-year fixed terms for Federal Parliament are overdue
The Sydney Morning HeraldSeattle is overdue for developer impact fees
The Seattle Times
To help you distinguish these words easily, remember that over do is a verb that deals with do ing something execessively while the term over due is concerned with something that has not been paid or delivered on the specified time or due date. Hopefully, this post has made it easier for you to determine how to use these terms properly. Remember that when writing, you most not overdo things so you won’t accumulate overdue work.
