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lizzy04234
I have a question about English...
Excuse me. What is the difference between “abroad” and “overseas”? When use it? Please give me some examples. Appriciate!!
May 15, 2014 7:01 AM
Answers · 5
2
One more thing to add about 'abroad' and 'overseas' - and a case where 'overseas' can be used and 'abroad' can't. 'Abroad' is one of those adjectives that can't be part of a noun phrase eg like awake, asleep. So, for example you can say 'I'm going abroad' 'My friend is abroad' 'I travel abroad a lot' but you CAN'T say 'I enjoy abroad travel' . The phrase 'abroad travel' is impossible. But you can say 'I enjoy overseas travel'. The word overseas is often used in phrases with nouns eg an overseas agency, overseas aid.
I hope that helps.
May 15, 2014
1
As an Australian, I typically say "overseas" because I literally need to cross over seas to visit another country! However, now I live in Europe, I can't use "overseas" to mean another country. If I visit a neighbouring country, then I am simply "abroad". If I visit another continent, then I may well be "overseas" (as well as abroad).
May 15, 2014
1
The meaning is the same, but if I were you, I would stick with 'abroad' . 'Overseas' has more limited use, and is also rather old-fashioned - dating from the days when you had to make a sea journey to get to another country.
May 15, 2014
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lizzy04234
Language Skills
Chinese (Mandarin), English, Italian
Learning Language
English, Italian
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