What are the definitions of “bowl over”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Surprise someone greatly.
I was BOWLED OVER by the news.
- 2Knock someone to the ground.
He was BOWLED OVER by the crowd rushing out.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “bowl over”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb bowl over is to surprise someone greatly. It is often used when someone is amazed or shocked by something unexpected. For example, it can be used when someone receives surprising news or experiences an unexpected event.
What are the different verb forms of “bowl over”?
| Root Verb | bowl over |
| Third Person Singular Present | bowls over |
| Present Participle | bowling over |
| Simple Past | bowled over |
| Past Participle | bowled over |
Example
The news of her promotion bowled her over.
Example
His kindness bowls everyone over.
Example
The surprise party is bowling over the birthday girl.
Example
The magician's trick bowled over the audience.
Example
She was bowled over by the surprise gift.
What kind of phrasal verb is “bowl 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.)
Transitive verb
“bowl over” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The news bowled her over.
Example
His generosity bowled over everyone at the event.
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
“bowl 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
The news bowled her over.
Example
His generosity bowled over everyone at the event.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “bowl over”?
To cause someone to be extremely excited or enthusiastic about something.
Example
The surprise vacation bowled her over with excitement.
Good things to know
Does “bowl over” have an informal or formal tone?
Bowl over is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. It may not be suitable for formal writing or professional settings. In more formal contexts, synonyms such as 'astonish' or 'amaze' can be used instead.
