What does the phrasal verb “dig over” mean?

What are the definitions of “dig over”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. To turn or loosen the soil using a tool like a shovel or a fork.

  After removing the turf, we dug over the soil, adding some planting compost.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “dig over”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb dig over is to turn or loosen the soil using a tool like a shovel or a fork. This is often done to prepare the ground for planting or to mix in compost or other materials.

What are the different verb forms of “dig over”?

Root Verb	dig over
Third Person Singular Present	digs over
Present Participle	digging over
Simple Past	dug over
Past Participle	dug over

Example

I need to dig over the garden before planting the vegetables.

Example

She digs over the flower bed every spring.

Example

He is digging over the soil to improve its quality.

Example

Yesterday, they dug over the entire garden.

Example

The soil has been dug over and is ready for planting.

What kind of phrasal verb is “dig over”?

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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

“dig 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

She dug over the garden bed.

Example

He dug the soil over in the vegetable patch.

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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

“dig 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 dug over the garden bed.

Example

He dug the soil over in the vegetable patch.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “dig over”?

Dig over a garden bed

To turn or loosen the soil in a garden bed to prepare it for planting.

Example

Before planting the flowers, she dug over the garden bed to ensure the soil was loose and well-aerated.

Dig over a vegetable patch

To turn or loosen the soil in a vegetable patch to improve its quality and promote healthy plant growth.

Example

He dug over the vegetable patch, mixing in compost to enrich the soil.

Dig over a flower bed

To turn or loosen the soil in a flower bed to prepare it for planting or to maintain its quality.

Example

Every spring, she digs over the flower bed to keep the soil healthy and ready for new plants.

Good things to know

Does “dig over” have an informal or formal tone?

Dig over is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, especially when discussing gardening or agriculture. In more formal settings, it may be replaced with terms like 'turn over' or 'cultivate'.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “dig over”?

Synonyms

• loosen
• cultivate
• till
• aerate
• turn over
• break up

Antonyms

• compact
• compress
• flatten
• harden
• press down