What are the definitions of “paper over”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Try to conceal a problem without really fixing it.
The government tried to PAPER OVER the problems in the proposal, but the press were very critical.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “paper over”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb paper over is to try to hide or cover up a problem without actually solving it. This can be done by ignoring the issue, providing a temporary solution, or making it seem less important than it really is.
What are the different verb forms of “paper over”?
| Root Verb | paper over |
| Third Person Singular Present | papers over |
| Present Participle | papering over |
| Simple Past | papered over |
| Past Participle | papered over |
Example
They tried to paper over the cracks in their relationship.
Example
She papers over her financial problems by borrowing money from friends.
Example
He is papering over the issues at work by avoiding difficult conversations.
Example
The company papered over the scandal by firing a few employees.
Example
The problems had been papered over for years before they finally came to light.
What kind of phrasal verb is “paper 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
“paper 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
They papered over the cracks in their relationship.
Example
The government papered over the problems in the proposal.
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
“paper 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
They papered over the cracks in their relationship.
Example
The government papered over the problems in the proposal.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “paper over”?
Good things to know
Does “paper over” have an informal or formal tone?
Paper over is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as in news articles or reports, depending on the specific context.
