go over — 2 meanings

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

phrasal verb2 meanings

go over

1check or explain carefully 2be received

Meaning 1 · most common

check or explain carefully

go over sth

To look at or talk through something carefully — to check it, or to explain it step by step.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

I need to go over my notes before the exam.

A: Did you finish your assignment?
B: Not yet, I want to go over it one more time to check for mistakes.

Common mistake

Not: I need to go over ~~again~~ my ~~answers.~~

Say: I need to go over my answers again.

'Again' goes after the object, not between 'go over' and the object.

More on “check or explain carefully”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Before giving my presentation, I always go over my main points to make sure I remember everything.

Tell it apart

I'll go over my notes alone.

review for myself

I'll go over the topic with the class.

explain it to them

Goes with

go over + again

Practice saying this

Next meaning: be received

Meaning 2

be received

go over with sb/a group

To be accepted, perceived, or reacted to in a particular way by others, especially in terms of approval, popularity, or response.

How oftenNow and then

LevelC1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

Her proposal didn't go over well with the board, so they decided to postpone the project.

A: How did your joke go over at the meeting?
B: Honestly, it didn't go over very well—most people just looked confused.

Common mistake

Not: The joke went over ~~good.~~

Say: The joke went over well.

Use the adverb 'well' (not 'good'), often as 'go over well/badly with + people'.

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

Another example

If new government policies do not go over well with the public, officials may face significant backlash and pressure to reconsider their approach.

Tell it apart

The idea went over well.

was received well

Let's go over the idea.

review it

Goes with

go over + well/badly

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check or explain carefully be received