What are the definitions of “spill over”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1When something bad has a wider impact on other people or situations.
The protests and demonstrations have SPILLED OVER into neighbouring states.
- 2Flow over the edge or top of a container.
I forgot to turn the tap off and the water SPILLED OVER.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “spill over”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb spill over is when something, usually a liquid, flows over the edge or top of a container. It can also mean when something bad has a wider impact on other people or situations.
What are the different verb forms of “spill over”?
| Root Verb | spill over |
| Third Person Singular Present | spills over |
| Present Participle | spilling over |
| Simple Past | spilled over |
| Past Participle | spilled over |
Example
Be careful not to let the soup spill over the edge of the bowl.
Example
When the pot is too full, the water spills over while boiling.
Example
The excitement from the game is spilling over into the streets.
Example
The milk spilled over when I accidentally bumped the table.
Example
The conflict has spilled over into neighboring countries.
What kind of phrasal verb is “spill 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
“spill 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
The water spilled over when the glass was too full.
Example
The conflict spilled over into the surrounding areas.
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
“spill 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
The water spilled over when the glass was too full.
Example
The conflict spilled over into the surrounding areas.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “spill over”?
Spill over benefits
Positive effects or advantages that result from a particular action or event, often affecting other areas or aspects.
Example
Investing in education has spill over benefits for the entire community.
Good things to know
Does “spill over” have an informal or formal tone?
Spill over is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as academic discussions or business meetings.
