What are the definitions of “move over”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To switch or transition to something else.
Most companies moved over to direct payments years ago.
- 2To change position or make space for someone or something.
She moved over to let me pass.
- 3Make space for someone else.
Some of their players have had fantastic careers but it's time to move over and let some youngsters come through.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “move over”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb move over is to change position or make space for someone or something. It is often used when someone needs to make room for another person or object.
What are the different verb forms of “move over”?
| Root Verb | move over |
| Third Person Singular Present | moves over |
| Present Participle | moving over |
| Simple Past | moved over |
| Past Participle | moved over |
Example
Please move over so I can sit down.
Example
He moves over to let her pass.
Example
She is moving over to make room for the new employee.
Example
Yesterday, they moved over to let the ambulance pass.
Example
The car had moved over to the side of the road.
What kind of phrasal verb is “move 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
“move 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 moved over to let me pass.
Example
The car moved over to the side of the road.
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
“move 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 moved over to let me pass.
Example
The car moved over to the side of the road.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “move over”?
Good things to know
Does “move over” have an informal or formal tone?
Move over is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
