What are the definitions of “work over”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Assault, beat up.
They WORKED him OVER and robbed him.
- 2Repeat, do again.
They WORKED it OVER until they had got it right.
- 3Examine carefully.
They WORKED OVER the market looking for bargains.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “work over”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb work over is to assault or beat up someone. It usually refers to a situation where someone is physically attacked or harmed by another person or group of people.
What are the different verb forms of “work over”?
| Root Verb | work over |
| Third Person Singular Present | works over |
| Present Participle | working over |
| Simple Past | worked over |
| Past Participle | worked over |
Example
The bullies worked over the new kid at school.
Example
He works over anyone who disagrees with him.
Example
The gang is working over their rival in the alley.
Example
They worked over the victim and stole his wallet.
Example
The poor man had been worked over by the criminals.
What kind of phrasal verb is “work 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
“work 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
The thugs worked him over in the parking lot.
Example
She worked over the thief who tried to steal her purse.
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
“work 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 thugs worked him over in the parking lot.
Example
She worked over the thief who tried to steal her purse.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “work over”?
Good things to know
Does “work over” have an informal or formal tone?
Work over is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations or informal writing. It may not be appropriate for formal settings or professional communication. In formal situations, it is better to use synonyms like 'assault,' 'examine,' or 'repeat' depending on the context.
