Go Over – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever double-checked a list before a trip, rehearsed a presentation with a friend, or accidentally spent more money than you planned? In English, you’d likely say you went over the list, went over your lines, or went over your budget! This versatile phrasal verb has several common meanings: (1) to review or examine something carefully, (2) to repeat or practice, and (3) to exceed a limit like time, cost, or speed.
What Does “Go Over” Mean?
“Go over” can mean three things, depending on context:
1. To review or examine closely—like going over a contract or homework.
2. To rehearse or repeat—as in going over your speech before a big talk.
3. To exceed a limit—like going over the speed limit or budget.
Think of it like running your finger along a checklist—making sure nothing is missed—or stepping slightly past a boundary. The phrase is practical, flexible, and widely used in everyday English.
When to Use It
Use this phrase in casual or neutral conversations:
• For reviewing: “Let’s go over the plan one more time.”
• For practicing: “She went over her lines all night.”
• For exceeding: “We went over the deadline by two days.”
It’s common in school, work, travel, and daily life—perfect for real-world communication.
Example Sentences
- Before the meeting, we went over all the key points.
- He went over his answers before submitting the test.
- Sorry I’m late—I went over my time in the last session.
- We went over the budget, but the results were worth it.
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “Did you study for the exam?”
Jamie: “Yes! I went over my notes three times.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t confuse “go over” with “go over to” (which means to visit a place: “I’ll go over to her house”). Also, when “go over” means “review,” it’s usually followed by the thing being checked—not a person.
❌ Don’t say: “I went over my teacher.” (Sounds strange!)
✅ Do say: “I went over the lesson with my teacher.”
Practice Tip
Next time you check your packing list, rehearse a talk, or realize you’ve spent too much, say: “I’m going over…” It’s a natural way to use this flexible phrase in English.
Final Note
Now you can use “go over” to review, practice, or talk about limits with confidence! It’s a practical phrase that fits countless real-life situations. Keep using it—and remember, sometimes the best results come from going over things one more time.
