Understanding the Phrasal Verb 'Get Over': Meaning and Usage in English
Welcome, English learners! Today, we're diving into a very common and useful English expression: the phrasal verb 'get over'. You've likely heard it in movies, songs, or conversations, and understanding its various meanings is key to boosting your English vocabulary and overall fluency. This post will clearly explain what 'get over' means, show you how it's structured in sentences, explore related synonyms, and give you a chance to practice. By the end, you'll feel much more confident using 'get over' correctly and effectively in your English conversations!
Table of Contents
What Does Get Over Mean?
The phrasal verb 'get over' is a versatile expression with several important meanings in English. Primarily, it relates to recovering from an illness or an unpleasant experience, like a disappointment or a breakup. It can also mean to overcome a difficulty, to successfully communicate an idea, or to express surprise about something.
More: Understanding the Phrasal Verb 'Get out of': Meanings & Usage
Structure with Get Over
Now that we have a general idea, let's break down the specific ways you can use the phrasal verb 'get over'. Understanding its various structural patterns is key to mastering this common English expression. We'll look at four primary meanings and how to form sentences for each, helping you to get over any confusion you might have!
Meaning 1: To recover from an illness, disappointment, or emotional distress.
This is arguably the most frequent application of the phrasal verb 'get over'. It signifies the process of returning to a state of well-being, whether physical or emotional, after experiencing something negative. Think of it as moving past a difficult period and feeling better again. The object of 'get over' in this context is typically the illness, the sad event, or the person who caused distress.
- Structure: Subject + get over + (object: illness, disappointment, breakup, death of a loved one, person, etc.)
- Example 1: It took him a few weeks to get over the flu completely.
- Example 2: She's still finding it hard to get over the sad news about her friend.
Sometimes, the thing being 'gotten over' is implied from the context. For instance, if someone asks, 'How's Tom dealing with the cancelled trip?' you might reply, 'He's slowly getting over it.'
Meaning 2: To overcome a difficulty, obstacle, or fear.
In this sense, 'get over' means to successfully deal with or surmount a problem or challenge that stands in your way. It can refer to a physical barrier, like a wall or hurdle, or an abstract one, such as a fear, a setback, or a bureaucratic process. Using 'get over' here emphasizes triumph over adversity and not letting challenges stop your progress.
- Structure: Subject + get over + (object: problem, obstacle, fear, hurdle, challenge, etc.)
- Example 1: The team had to get over several major setbacks before launching the project.
- Example 2: To become a confident presenter, you must get over your anxiety about public speaking.
This meaning often implies conscious effort and determination. When you get over a difficulty, you actively find a solution or push through it.
Meaning 3: To successfully communicate or make an idea or point understood.
While 'get across' is perhaps more common for this meaning, 'get over' (often as 'get [something] over to [someone]') can also be used. It implies that you are trying to make someone else understand your message, feeling, or point of view, especially if there's some initial difficulty or resistance in them understanding you.
- Structure: Subject + get + (object: idea, point, message, feeling) + over + to + (person/group)
- Example 1: The manager tried to get the importance of the new policy over to the employees during the meeting.
- Example 2: It was challenging to get the urgency of the situation over to everyone involved.
Pay attention to the structure here; the object (the idea or message) often comes between 'get' and 'over'. This form emphasizes the act of transmission and ensuring comprehension.
Meaning 4: To express or overcome surprise or shock (often used with 'can't' or 'couldn't').
This idiomatic usage of 'get over' refers to the inability to stop being surprised, shocked, or amazed by something. It's frequently used when something is unexpected, whether positive or negative. The focus is on the lasting impression an event or piece of information has made, making it hard to return to a normal state of belief or composure.
- Structure: Subject + can't/couldn't + get over + (object: how + adjective/adverb..., the fact that..., something surprising)
- Example 1: I can't get over how much her English has improved in just a few months!
- Example 2: We couldn't get over the breathtaking views from the mountaintop; they were simply stunning.
This is a great phrase to express strong feelings about something astonishing. It adds a layer of emphasis to your reaction, showing just how much something has affected you.
More: Understanding 'Get On With': How to Use This Phrasal Verb Correctly
Related Phrases and Synonyms
Understanding synonyms can greatly expand your vocabulary and help you express nuances more effectively. Here are some words and phrases related to the different meanings of 'get over':
| Synonym | Explanation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Recover from | To return to a normal state of health, mind, or strength after an illness or setback. | It took her a while to fully recover from the surgery. |
| Overcome | To succeed in dealing with or gaining control over a problem or difficulty. | He managed to overcome his shyness and give the speech. |
| Surmount | To prevail over or get to the other side of an obstacle or difficulty. | The company had to surmount significant financial challenges. |
| Conquer | To successfully overcome a problem, fear, or weakness, often through effort. | She worked hard to conquer her fear of heights. |
| Get past | To move beyond a difficult experience, emotion, or stage so it no longer affects you. | You need to get past the disappointment and focus on the future. |
More: Mastering 'Get on': Meanings and Usage in English
Practice Time!
Let's test your understanding of 'get over' with a few questions. Choose the best answer for each.
Question 1: Which sentence correctly uses 'get over' to mean recovering from an illness? a) He needs to get over the fence quickly to escape. b) It's hard to get over such a shocking piece of news immediately. c) She's finally starting to get over the bad cold she had last week. d) Can you help me get this heavy box over the wall?
Correct answer: c
Question 2: "I still can't get over how beautiful the painting is." In this sentence, 'get over' means: a) To climb over something physically. b) To communicate an idea effectively. c) To recover from an illness or sadness. d) To be very surprised or impressed by something.
Correct answer: d
Question 3: Choose the best synonym for 'get over' in the sentence: "He needs to get over his fear of flying to travel for his new job." a) Transmit b) Overcome c) Forget d) Ignore
Correct answer: b
Question 4: "The speaker struggled to ______ his main point ______ to the distracted audience." Which option completes the sentence correctly in the context of communication? a) get / over b) get over / with c) get by / - d) get on / with
Correct answer: a
Conclusion
Learning phrasal verbs like 'get over' significantly enhances your English fluency and comprehension, making your conversational English sound more natural. As we've explored, 'get over' is a multifaceted phrasal verb with several important meanings, from recovering from illness or sadness to overcoming challenges and expressing surprise. Understanding its different structures and common uses will allow you to communicate more precisely. Keep practicing these forms in your own sentences, and you'll soon find yourself using 'get over' with confidence and ease!