going-over: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal
Quick answer
What does “going-over” mean?
A thorough examination, inspection, or review.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A thorough examination, inspection, or review; a detailed critique.
Can also refer to a severe scolding or a physical beating.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in British English for the meaning of 'inspection' or 'check'. In American English, the physical beating connotation is slightly more prominent.
Connotations
UK: Often neutral (a check-up). US: More often implies criticism or punishment.
Frequency
Moderately common in both varieties, but perhaps more lexicalized in UK English.
Grammar
How to Use “going-over” in a Sentence
give NP a going-overget a going-over from NPNP needs a going-overVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The accounts will get a proper going-over before the audit.
Academic
His thesis received a rigorous going-over from the review panel.
Everyday
I'll give the car a quick going-over before we set off.
Technical
The engineer gave the circuit board a thorough going-over.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “going-over”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “going-over”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I will going-over the document' - incorrect). It's a noun requiring an article (a/the).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is generally informal. In formal writing, prefer 'inspection', 'scrutiny', or 'analysis'.
No, it is only a noun. The verb form is 'go over' (two words, no hyphen).
A 'once-over' is a quick, casual look. A 'going-over' implies a much more thorough and detailed examination.
No. In contexts like mechanics, editing, or auditing, it is neutral, meaning a careful check. The negative connotation (scolding/beating) depends on context.
A thorough examination, inspection, or review.
Going-over: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡəʊ.ɪŋ ˈəʊ.vər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡoʊ.ɪŋ ˈoʊ.vɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “give someone/something a good going-over”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a teacher GOING OVER your homework with a red pen – inspecting it thoroughly.
Conceptual Metaphor
SCRUTINY IS MOVING OVER A SURFACE (to examine every part).
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'going-over' MOST LIKELY refer to a physical beating?