Over
'Over' is a widely-used word in the English language that functions as a preposition, adverb, and prefix.
'Over' is a widely-used word in the English language, the reason why we are going to learn it in details in this lesson.
Functions of 'Over'
1. 'Over' as a Preposition
Use
'Over' as the preposition is used before nouns or noun phrases and can be used in many contexts.
- From, to, or at a place that is higher than something else. It is synonymous with 'above.'
The sun is
The balcony looks out
- In a position higher than but not touching someone or something. It is synonymous with 'on top of'.
The lamp is
- Be on the surface of something and partly or completely cover it.
A blanket
An overcoat
- Falling from or down from a place.
The tree fell
She knocked
- On the far or opposite side of something.
He lived
- More than a number, amount, time, etc.
- Someone has an authority, is higher in rank than someone else.
She is the director
She governs
- Expressing preference. It is synonymous with 'rather than'.
I’d choose this one
She prefers the book
It has several advantages
- During a time
We can go out
- Undergo a particular difficult stage or situation
I will get
We're
- Because of
Don't get angry
We laughed
- Of or relating to something, on the subject of something.
argument
discussion
- By means of something, expressing the medium.
She will hear it
Tell me
- Without including or considering something.
Skip
I'll pass
- More loudly and clearly than.
Shout
They heard the coach
Position in a Sentence
'Over' as the preposition precedes a noun or a pronoun and adds more meaning to it. Note that the noun can take other determiners or articles. For example:
Skip
Don't get angry
2. 'Over' as an Adverb
Use
'Over' as an adverb modifies the verb and adds extra meaning to it. 'Over' is used in different situations as the adverb. Take a look:
- In an upward and forward direction across something.
Throw the ball
'Over' describes the verb 'to throw.'
That's a wall that I want to climb
- In or to the place indicated.
I'm
- Beyond and falling or hanging from a point.
He tripped and fell
She knocked the jug
- Downward from an upright position.
He leans
The mom is bending
- 'Over' means something is finished.
The match is
I wish this would be
- The opposite side is on top.
Flip your cards
He rolled
- From one place to another.
Come
London is where I will fly
- To your home
Invite someone
You should know how to ask someone
- More than an amount or number that was expected or stated
That took one minute
You can have a party of 20 and
- Remaining and not used.
Something was left
Some food is going to be left
- During or throughout a period of time
Can I sleep
I need to stay
- To cover the entire surface of something
The sky had clouded
The house window was boarded
- In a complete and thorough way
Think it
I will discuss it
- One more time
Do it
Start it
- 'Over' is used when talking on a radio to show that a message is complete.
''We are ready for that.
Position in a Sentence
'Over' as the adverb is used to modify the verb so it comes after the verb. Note that any nouns should not come after the adverb. For example:
Do it
Can I sleep
3. 'Over' as a Prefix
Use
'Over' as a prefix is added to the beginning of a word (nouns, adjectives, verbs, etc.) to change their meaning and use. Here, 'over' can be a prefix and have a similar meaning to 'more, beyond.'
Position in a Sentence
'Over' as the prefix is added to a word to change its meaning and sometimes its part of speech. Look:
heated →
Here, the POS stays the same but the meaning has changed.
Simplify →