what's the difference between 'switch to' and 'switch over to'?

[hamdog]

I'm a native speaker and can't feel a difference between the verb phrases switch to and switch over to.

Is there any difference?

thanks

 

[5jj]

I don't feel any difference.

 

[hamdog]

ok thanks

 

[Tdol]

I think that the bigger the change, the more likely I would be to use over, but either could be used.

 

[Barb_D]

I agree - it feels like it might take more effort to switch OVER than to simply switch. But not necessarily.

 

[Tdol]

As an example, in the UK, we're going to get rid of analogue radio and go digital, which I would say is switching over to digital, though switching to would be OK.

 

[engr.yasir ali bhatti]

both have same meaning ........

 

[topline]

I feel "switch to" is a temporary shifting from one point to another with the inherent option of reverting back while "switch over to" implies permanence of change.

 

[emsr2d2]

As far as actual meaning goes, I can't really think of a difference either. My usage would be different for different scenarios though:

I'm going to switch over to BBC2 now for that programme I want to watch.
not
I'm going to switch to BBC2 now for that programme ...

I'm thinking of switching my gas and electricity provider.
not
I'm thinking of switching my gas and electricity provider over.
though I would say
I'm thinking of switching over to British Gas for my gas and electricity.

Uh-oh. Another minefield!