What are the definitions of “screw over”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Treat harshly or cheat.
The IRS really SCREWED him OVER.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “screw over”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb screw over is to treat someone unfairly or cheat them. It often implies that someone has been taken advantage of or deceived in some way.
What are the different verb forms of “screw over”?
| Root Verb | screw over |
| Third Person Singular Present | screws over |
| Present Participle | screwing over |
| Simple Past | screwed over |
| Past Participle | screwed over |
Example
He felt like his boss screwed him over by not giving him the promotion.
Example
She screws over her friends by always canceling plans at the last minute.
Example
He is screwing over his business partner by stealing money from the company.
Example
They screwed over their customers by selling them faulty products.
Example
She felt screwed over when her friend lied to her.
What kind of phrasal verb is “screw 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
“screw 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
He screwed over his friend by lying to him.
Example
She screwed her friend over by not keeping her promise.
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
“screw 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
He screwed over his friend by lying to him.
Example
She screwed her friend over by not keeping her promise.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “screw over”?
To cheat someone out of money or cause them financial harm.
Example
The scam artist screwed over many people financially by stealing their savings.
To betray or deceive someone in a romantic relationship.
Example
She screwed him over in the relationship by cheating on him.
Good things to know
Does “screw over” have an informal or formal tone?
Screw over is considered informal and is not appropriate for formal settings or professional communication. It is more suitable for casual conversations among friends or acquaintances.
