What are the definitions of “bubble over”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Become very excited.
She BUBBLED OVER with joy when she heard her exam results.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “bubble over”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb bubble over is to become very excited or enthusiastic about something. It is often used to describe someone's emotions when they are extremely happy or thrilled. For example, it can be used when someone is excited about their exam results, a surprise party, or a special gift.
What are the different verb forms of “bubble over”?
| Root Verb | bubble over |
| Third Person Singular Present | bubbles over |
| Present Participle | bubbling over |
| Simple Past | bubbled over |
| Past Participle | bubbled over |
Example
She bubbled over with excitement when she received the surprise gift.
Example
He bubbles over with enthusiasm when talking about his favorite hobby.
Example
The children were bubbling over with excitement on the first day of school.
Example
They bubbled over with joy when they found out they won the lottery.
Example
She had bubbled over with happiness when she got the job offer.
What kind of phrasal verb is “bubble 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
“bubble 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
The crowd bubbled over with excitement when the concert started.
Example
She bubbled over with joy when she heard her exam results.
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
“bubble 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 crowd bubbled over with excitement when the concert started.
Example
She bubbled over with joy when she heard her exam results.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “bubble over”?
To be extremely excited or thrilled about something.
Example
The kids bubbled over with excitement when they saw the amusement park.
Good things to know
Does “bubble over” have an informal or formal tone?
Bubble over is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. It may not be suitable for very formal settings or academic writing, where more formal synonyms like 'exuberate' or 'overflow' might be preferred.
