English Reference

Phrasal verb

go over

Definition

phrasal verb. to look at or check something carefully to make sure it is correct or to understand it better.

phrasal verb. to examine, review, or scrutinize something in detail. This phrasal verb is transitive and typically takes a document, plan, or set of ideas as its object.

Examples

“Let's go over the details one more time.”

“Before the meeting started, the manager asked the team to go over the budget report to find any errors.”

“The legal team spent several hours going over the contract's fine print to ensure there were no hidden liabilities for the firm.”

Examples

simple

“Let's go over the details one more time.”

contextual

“Before the meeting started, the manager asked the team to go over the budget report to find any errors.”

complex

“The legal team spent several hours going over the contract's fine print to ensure there were no hidden liabilities for the firm.”

Usage

Commonly used with nouns like 'notes', 'plan', 'details', or 'report'.

Teaching tip

Contrast with 'look over', which implies a quicker, less thorough check than 'go over'.

Pitfall

I need to go over to the report.

I need to go over the report.

When meaning 'to examine', the verb is transitive and does not require an extra preposition like 'to'.

Phrasal verb

Particles

over

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

go + over + object

Synonyms

reviewcheckexaminestudy

Antonyms

ignoreoverlookneglect

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference