Language Research

over · preposition

/ˈoʊ.vər/Full view

over (MORE THAN)

A2 more than a particular amount, number, or age

Dictionary examples:

Most of the bikes cost/are over $500.

Children over the age of 12 pay full-price.

They are already $25 million over budget.

Learner example:

We have to dance in a school and over two hundred people [will watch] us. (Preliminary English Test; B1; German)

over (COVERING)

A2 covering something or someone

Dictionary examples:

Put a blanket over you to keep warm.

I put my hands over my eyes because I didn't want to see.

Learner example:

Wear an apron over your clothes. (Key English Test; A2; Hindi)

over (HIGHER POSITION)

B1 above or higher than something

Dictionary examples:

The sign over the door said "Exit."

A flock of geese flew over the lake.

She held the umbrella over both of us.

Learner example:

Besides that, you have voted for the construction of a new bridge over the main street. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

over (ACROSS)

B1 across from one side of something to the other, especially by going up and then down

Dictionary examples:

She jumped over the gate.

The road goes over the mountains.

She often chats with her neighbor over the fence.

From the top of the tower you could see for miles over the city.

When we get over the bridge we'll stop for gas.

Learner example:

I most enjoyed [it] when we [were] cycling over the hills, because there weren't any people and it was peaceful and qui[et]. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Swiss German)

all over somewhere

B1 everywhere in a particular place

Dictionary example:

Soon the news was all over town.

Learner example:

The people in the class are from all over the world. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Italian)

over (DURING)

B1 during a particular period of time

Dictionary examples:

I was in Seattle over the summer.

We discussed the plans over lunch.

It's fascinating to watch how a baby changes and develops over time.

Learner example:

I could [make] up for the work I missed over the weekend, if that's alright with you. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

over (OTHER SIDE)

B1 on the other side of

Dictionary example:

Their house is just over the river.

over (CONTROL)

C2 in control of or teaching someone or something

Dictionary examples:

Parents want to have control over their children.

She's a sales manager but she has a regional sales director over her.

The victory over the French at Waterloo was Wellington's greatest triumph.

Learner example:

Fortunately, my parents do not wield authority over me and my siblings like dictators. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; German)

over (USING)

B2 using

Dictionary examples:

They spoke over the phone.

I often listen to radio over the Internet these days.

Learner example:

She laughed over the phone, and said "It's really like you". (First Certificate in English; B2; Japanese)

over here/there

B1 in this/that place

Dictionary example:

Put your bags down over there.

Learner example:

How is everything over there? (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

over (ABOUT)

C2 connected with or about

Dictionary example:

It's stupid arguing over something so trivial.

Learner example:

The teams themselves suffered from these money problems: recently strikes broke out in basketball teams in the U.S. when players began to argue over money. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; French)

over · adverb

/ˈoʊ.vər/

over (MORE THAN)

A2 more than a particular amount or level

Dictionary example:

People who are 65 years old and over can get half-price tickets.

over (ACROSS)

B1 from one side or place to another

Dictionary examples:

She leaned over and kissed me.

Why don't you come over for dinner on Thursday?

We're having friends over for a barbecue..

Learner example:

He came over to me and we talked a while. (Preliminary English Test; B1; German)

over (DIFFERENT SURFACE)

B2 describes the way an object moves or is moved so that a different part of it is facing up

Dictionary example:

She turned another page over.

Learner example:

A big truck had turned over and blocked the road and there was no other way for us to go, so we had to wait. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

over (FINISHED)

B1 finished

Dictionary examples:

I'll be glad when the semester is over.

The show was over before nine.

Learner example:

David smiled triumphantly and said, "It is all over!" (First Certificate in English; B2; Chinese)

over and over (again)

B2 happening or done many times

Dictionary example:

I read the article over and over.

Learner example:

I've been searching in newspapers over and over again and finally after a couple of days I found something. (First Certificate in English; B2; Dutch)

all over again

B2 repeated from the beginning

Dictionary example:

We had to start all over again.

Learner example:

After that I went back to my home in Ribeirao Preto to begin my routine all over again. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

get sth over (and done) with

C2 to do something difficult or unpleasant as soon as you can so that you do not have to worry about it any more

Dictionary example:

I got all my apologies over and done with at the beginning of the meeting.

Learner example:

Not to mention that he knew that he had to get his degree over and done with before he started making serious decisions. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Swedish)