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get over — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb2 meanings
get over
recover frombe amazed by

Meaning 1 · most common

recover from

  • get over sth
A woman throws open the bedroom curtains to the sun, the blanket with tissues and a thermometer left behind on the bed.

To start feeling better after something bad, such as an illness, disappointment, or a difficult experience.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

It took her a few weeks to get over the flu.

A: Are you still upset about the exam?
B: Not really, I think I'm starting to get over it.

Common mistake

Not: It took months to get over from the breakup.

Say: It took months to get over the breakup.

'Get over' takes the thing directly — no 'from'.

More on “recover from”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

After my team lost the final, it was hard, but I managed to get over it by focusing on my studies.

Tell it apart

She's finally getting over the flu.

  • recovering from it

Let's get on with the meeting.

  • continue / proceed

Goes with

  • get over + setback
Practice saying this
Next meaning: be amazed by

Meaning 2

be amazed by

  • can't

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.

How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

I just can't get over how quickly she solved that complex problem.

A: Did you hear that Mark is moving to Japan next month?
B: I know, I can't get over it. It was so sudden.

Common mistake

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'.

More on “be amazed by”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

When I first visited London, I couldn't get over how expensive everything was.

Tell it apart

I can't get over how tall he's got!

  • can't quite believe it

He's finally getting over the flu.

  • recovering from it

Goes with

  • can't get over + fact
Practice saying this
Test yourself: which one is it?

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recover frombe amazed by