What are the definitions of “bend over”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Lower the top part of your body.
I BENT OVER to do my shoes up.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “bend over”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb bend over is to lower the top part of your body, usually by bending at the waist. This action is often done to pick something up, tie shoelaces, or reach a lower position.
What are the different verb forms of “bend over”?
| Root Verb | bend over |
| Third Person Singular Present | bends over |
| Present Participle | bending over |
| Simple Past | bent over |
| Past Participle | bent over |
Example
She bends over to pick up the dropped pen.
Example
He bends over to tie his shoelaces.
Example
She is bending over to get a closer look at the flowers.
Example
Yesterday, he bent over to grab his bag from the floor.
Example
She had bent over to pick up the coins she dropped.
What kind of phrasal verb is “bend over”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“bend over” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
She bent over to tie her shoes.
Example
He bent over to pick up the keys.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“bend over” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She bent over to tie her shoes.
Example
He bent over to pick up the keys.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “bend over”?
Good things to know
Does “bend over” have an informal or formal tone?
Bend over is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as in written instructions or during a professional presentation.
