What are the definitions of “get over”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Recover from something, feel better.
It took me ages to GET OVER the bout of flu.
- 2Solve, find a solution.
It took us a long time to GET OVER the problems with the computer system.
- 3Communicate, make people understand.
He makes jokes to help GET his message OVER.
- 4Be shocked or surprised that something if real or true.
I couldn't GET OVER how much weight he had put on.
- 5Get to the other side.
We couldn't GET OVER the river because of the floods.
- 6Come somewhere.
He said he needed help and ask me to GET OVER as soon as I could.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “get over”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb get over is to recover from something or to feel better after an illness or a difficult situation. For example, it can mean recovering from a cold, getting over a breakup, or moving on from a setback.
What are the different verb forms of “get over”?
| Root Verb | get over |
| Third Person Singular Present | gets over |
| Present Participle | getting over |
| Simple Past | got over |
| Past Participle | gotten over |
Example
I need to get over my fear of public speaking.
Example
She quickly gets over any disappointment.
Example
He is getting over a bad cold.
Example
They got over the loss and moved on.
Example
She has gotten over her fear of heights.
What kind of phrasal verb is “get 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
“get 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
I finally got over my fear of spiders.
Example
She got over her illness quickly.
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
“get 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
I finally got over my fear of spiders.
Example
She got over her illness quickly.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “get over”?
Good things to know
Does “get over” have an informal or formal tone?
Get over is a neutral phrasal verb. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the phrase 'get over it' is often used in more informal and casual conversations. In formal writing or speech, it might be more appropriate to use synonyms like 'recover from' or 'overcome'.
