English Reference

Phrasal verb

have over

Definition

phrasal verb. to invite someone to your home as a guest for a short time.

phrasal verb. to host a person or group at one's residence for a social visit; typically implies a pre-arranged invitation.

Examples

“We should have the neighbors over for coffee soon.”

“Since they just moved in, they are having some friends over for a housewarming party tonight.”

“The ambassador frequently had over various foreign dignitaries to foster better diplomatic relations in a more relaxed, domestic setting.”

Examples

simple

“We should have the neighbors over for coffee soon.”

contextual

“Since they just moved in, they are having some friends over for a housewarming party tonight.”

complex

“The ambassador frequently had over various foreign dignitaries to foster better diplomatic relations in a more relaxed, domestic setting.”

Usage

this is a separable phrasal verb where the guest (the object) usually goes between 'have' and 'over'.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'invite over' (the act of asking) versus 'have over' (the act of hosting); it is almost always used with people as the object.

Pitfall

I will have over my parents.

I will have my parents over.

while not strictly ungrammatical, it is much more natural to place the person between 'have' and 'over'.

Phrasal verb

Particles

over

Separability

optional

Pattern

have + object + over

Synonyms

hostinvite overentertain

Antonyms

Grammar

This entry

Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference