What are the definitions of “flick over”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Change TV channels quickly.
She FLICKED OVER to see if the news had started.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “flick over”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb flick over is to change TV channels quickly. It is often used when someone wants to see what is on another channel or check if a specific program has started.
What are the different verb forms of “flick over”?
| Root Verb | flick over |
| Third Person Singular Present | flicks over |
| Present Participle | flicking over |
| Simple Past | flicked over |
| Past Participle | flicked over |
Example
I always flick over during commercials to see what else is on.
Example
She flicks over to her favorite channel when her show starts.
Example
He is flicking over the channels to find a good movie.
Example
Yesterday, they flicked over to watch the sports game.
Example
The channels were flicked over quickly to find something interesting.
What kind of phrasal verb is “flick 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
“flick 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 flicked over to see if the news had started.
Example
He flicked over when the commercials began.
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
“flick 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 flicked over to see if the news had started.
Example
He flicked over when the commercials began.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “flick over”?
Flick through
Quickly look through the pages of a book, magazine, or other printed material.
Example
I flicked through the magazine while waiting at the doctor's office.
Flick on/off
Turn on or off a light or electronic device by pressing a switch.
Example
He flicked on the light when he entered the room.
Flick away
Remove something by flicking it with a finger or other object.
Example
She flicked away the crumbs from the table.
Good things to know
Does “flick over” have an informal or formal tone?
Flick over is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional settings.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “flick over”?
Synonyms
- change channels
- switch channels
- flip channels
- channel surf
Antonyms
- stay on the same channel
- keep watching
- remain on the channel
