Overdo and Overdue are not interchangeable.

This error is a simple mix-up due to sloppy pronunciation.

Overdo (which should be pronounced /oh vuhr doo/) means to attempt too much or to go too far.

Examples:

• Don’t overdo the pepper in that soup, or it will be inedible.
• Myra wanted to work outside on this hot day, so we told her to be careful not to overdo it and have a heat stroke.

Overdue (which should be pronounced /oh vuhr dyoo/) means past deadline or past the best time for achieving a goal or task.

Examples:

• If the library books are not turned in by the stamped date, they will be overdue and you will owe a fine..
• John painted the house last week — a task that was long overdue, as the paint had peeled completely off of the front of the house.

Hope this clears up this increasingly common mistake.

Tags: definition, Spelling