A1prepositionhigh_frequency_chunk

Over

UK /["/ˈəʊvə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈəʊvər/"]/

Definition

resting on the surface of somebody/something and partly or completely covering them/it

In simple words: above or higher than something.

Examples

  • The cat jumped over the fence.
  • I poured tea over the cake.
  • Can you look over my homework?
  • She is over the moon about her new job.
  • The meeting is over at five o'clock.

Usage notes

Used to indicate position, movement, or excess. Can denote physical position (e.g., the bird flew over the house) or metaphorical situations (e.g., over the limit). Avoid in very formal writing.

Grammar pattern

over + object

Memory hint

Think of 'over' as 'hovering above', like a bird.

Collocations

  • over the moon
  • over time
  • over and over

Synonyms

  • above
  • across
  • upon

Antonyms

  • under
  • beneath
  • below

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'above' in some contexts.
  • Using 'over' when 'more than' is meant, e.g., 'over 10 dollars' instead of 'more than 10 dollars'.
  • Mixing up 'over' with 'across' when indicating movement.