Phrasal Verb B1 — Intermediate

Get Over

Getting over something — whether a cold or a heartbreak — is one of life's most common challenges, and this phrasal verb describes it perfectly.

Quick Definition

Get Over — To recover from an illness, shock, or difficult situation; to overcome a problem.

Meanings of Get Over

MeaningExample SentenceExplanation
Recover from illness/emotionIt took her weeks to get over the flu.It took weeks to recover.
Overcome a difficultyI can't get over my fear of flying.I can't overcome the fear.

Example Sentences

SentenceMeaning in Context
It took her weeks to get over the flu.It took weeks to recover.
I can't get over my fear of flying.I can't overcome the fear.
"Don't worry -- I'll get over it."Using it in a short reassurance.
She decided to get over the whole situation.Applying the phrasal verb in context.

Grammar Notes

Separability & Transitivity

Type: inseparable  |  Transitivity: transitive

Inseparable. Always followed by an object: get over it, get over the shock. Cannot split: NOT get the illness over.

How to Use Get Over

Neutral to informal. Very common in everyday conversation about health and emotions.

RegisterExample / Notes
Informal / SpokenIt took her weeks to get over the flu.
Neutral / WrittenConsider context; single-word synonyms may suit formal writing.

Similar Phrasal Verbs

Practise Get Over

Practice English Phrasal Verbs

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Frequently Asked Questions about Get Over

What does "Get Over" mean?
"Get Over" means: To recover from an illness, shock, or difficult situation; to overcome a problem. It is a transitive phrasal verb rated CEFR B1.
Is "Get Over" separable or inseparable?
"Get Over" is inseparable. Inseparable. Always followed by an object: get over it, get over the shock. Cannot split: NOT get the illness over.
How do I use "Get Over" in a sentence?
It took her weeks to get over the flu. -- in this example, 'Get Over' means it took weeks to recover.
What is the register of "Get Over"?
Neutral to informal. Very common in everyday conversation about health and emotions.
What CEFR level is "Get Over"?
"Get Over" is typically taught at CEFR B1 — Intermediate level. It appears frequently in neutral to informal contexts.
What is the difference between "Get Over" and similar phrasal verbs?
"Get Over" specifically means: To recover from an illness, shock, or difficult situation; to overcome a problem. Compare with similar verbs in the 'Similar Phrasal Verbs' section below for nuanced differences.
Can "Get Over" be used formally?
Neutral to informal. Very common in everyday conversation about health and emotions. When writing formally, consider whether a single-word synonym might be more appropriate for the context.
Does "Get Over" take an object?
"Get Over" is transitive. Inseparable. Always followed by an object: get over it, get over the shock. Cannot split: NOT get the illness over.
How can I practise "Get Over"?
Use LexFizz's Find the Match and Flip Tiles exercises to practise 'Get Over' in context. Seeing it in multiple sentences helps the meaning stick.
Is "Get Over" used in British or American English?
"Get Over" is used in both British and American English, though register and frequency may vary. Neutral to informal. Very common in everyday conversation about health and emotions.