Meaning trap
get over
be amazed by
Used mostly as 'can't/couldn't get over (something)' to say you are very surprised, shocked or impressed by something and can't stop thinking about it.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
Used mostly as 'can't/couldn't get over (something)' to say you are very surprised, shocked or impressed by something and can't stop thinking about it.
'get over' also has the more basic meaning 'recover from'; this is the advanced sense.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
I just can't get over how quickly she solved that complex problem.
When I first visited London, I couldn't get over how expensive everything was.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: I can't get over of how big it is.
Say: I can't get over how big it is.
'Get over' takes the clause directly — no 'of'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'I can't get over...' is the natural way to express amazement or disbelief; the formal version flattens it.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
can't get over + fact
- how much
- how big
- it
- the change
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- get over (recover from) — 'get over' also has the more basic meaning 'recover from'; this is the advanced sense.