go over
B1Neutral to Informal
Definition
Meaning
to examine or review something carefully; to move across a space or barrier.
To check or inspect details thoroughly; to be received or accepted (as in a performance); to rehearse or practice; to change sides or allegiance.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily functions as a phrasal verb. Different senses are distinguished by context (literal movement vs. figurative review/performance). Can be separable or inseparable depending on sense (e.g., 'Let's go over the plan' vs. 'Let's go over it').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal lexical difference. British English may slightly prefer 'go through' for detailed examination, but 'go over' is common in both. The sense 'to be received well' (e.g., 'The joke went over well') is more frequent in American English.
Connotations
In both, implies thoroughness. In business contexts, neutral. In social contexts, 'go over to someone's place' is casual.
Frequency
High frequency in both varieties. The 'review' sense is extremely common in professional/educational settings.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[subject] + go over + [object] (examine)[subject] + go over + [prepositional phrase] (move)[subject] + go over + [adverb] (succeed/fail)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “go over someone's head”
- “go over the top”
- “go over like a lead balloon”
- “go over big (US)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used for reviewing proposals, budgets, or reports. 'We need to go over the Q3 results before the meeting.'
Academic
Used for revising material or checking work. 'Let's go over the key concepts before the exam.'
Everyday
Used for visiting, checking lists, or rehearsing. 'Can I go over to Tom's house?' 'Let's go over the shopping list.'
Technical
Less common; might be used in engineering for checking specifications or procedures.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We should go over the safety procedures once more.
- The comedian's routine didn't go over well with the audience.
- Shall we go over to the pub later?
American English
- Let's go over the numbers one more time.
- Her presentation went over really well at the conference.
- He decided to go over to the other team.
adverb
British English
- No adverbial use as a single unit.
American English
- No adverbial use as a single unit.
adjective
British English
- No adjectival use as a single unit.
American English
- No adjectival use as a single unit.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Go over the bridge and turn left.
- Let's go over the words for the test.
- The accountant will go over the expenses tomorrow.
- Did my joke go over well?
- We need to go over the contract with a fine-tooth comb.
- The film's message didn't go over with younger viewers.
- The barrister went over the witness's testimony meticulously, searching for inconsistencies.
- The proposal went over like a lead balloon with the board of trustees.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a teacher GOing OVER a student's homework with a red pen, moving OVER each line carefully.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXAMINING IS TRAVERSING (We go over the document as if walking across it, covering all points).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'go through' (переживать, пройти через). 'Go over' is more about inspection than experience.
- Not directly equivalent to 'переходить' (to cross) for abstract concepts. Use 'switch to' or 'change to'.
- Avoid using 'go over' for simple repetition; it implies a purpose of checking/improving.
Common Mistakes
- *I went over a difficult period. (Incorrect: use 'went through').
- *Let's go over it again and again. (Redundant; 'again' is sufficient).
- Confusing 'go over' (inspect) with 'get over' (recover from).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'go over' used CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, for the 'examine' sense. You can say 'Go over the plan' or 'Go over it'. For the 'move across' or 'succeed' senses, it is usually inseparable (e.g., 'go over well', 'go over the hill').
'Go over' focuses on reviewing, examining, or rehearsing. 'Go through' often implies experiencing something difficult, searching inside something, or proceeding from start to end (e.g., 'go through a tunnel', 'go through a crisis', 'go through a drawer').
Yes, informally, especially in the structure 'go over to [someone's place/place]'. E.g., 'I'm going over to Maria's flat.'
It depends on the adverb that follows. 'Go over well/badly/smoothly' indicates reception. Without an adverb, the default meaning is 'to review' or 'to move across'.