What are the definitions of “chew over”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Think about an issue.
He asked for a few days to CHEW the matter OVER before he made a final decision.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “chew over”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb chew over is to think about something carefully, especially before making a decision or forming an opinion. It often implies taking time to consider all aspects of a situation.
What are the different verb forms of “chew over”?
| Root Verb | chew over |
| Third Person Singular Present | chews over |
| Present Participle | chewing over |
| Simple Past | chewed over |
| Past Participle | chewed over |
Example
I need to chew over the job offer before I accept or decline it.
Example
She chews over her options before making any big decisions.
Example
He is chewing over the pros and cons of moving to a new city.
Example
We chewed over the idea for a while before deciding to start our own business.
Example
The proposal has been chewed over and approved by the board.
What kind of phrasal verb is “chew 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
“chew 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
She chewed over the idea for a few days.
Example
He chewed the matter over before making a decision.
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
“chew 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 chewed over the idea for a few days.
Example
He chewed the matter over before making a decision.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “chew over”?
Good things to know
Does “chew over” have an informal or formal tone?
Chew over is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, it may be replaced with synonyms such as 'consider,' 'ponder,' or 'contemplate.'
