- To review, examine, or discuss something carefully, often point by point.
- Can also mean to physically move over something, but the 'review' meaning is very common.
Explanation
Origin
- Likely stems from the idea of visually or mentally 'going over' a document or list from start to finish.
- Go implies movement or progression.
- Over suggests covering the entire surface or extent of something.
- Combined, it means to systematically cover the material being reviewed.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Run by (Briefly present or review, often for approval: Let me run this idea by you.)
- Walk through (To guide someone through a process step-by-step)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- (Usually not applicable directly, but frustration during review might be expressed): Let's go over this damn thing one more time!
Milder/Standard:
- Peruse (To read or examine carefully, more formal)
- Inspect
- Analyze
Situational Appropriateness
- Very common and appropriate in both informal and professional settings (meetings, academic reviews, planning sessions).
- Standard business and general English.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Ensure context distinguishes the 'review' meaning from the literal meaning of physically moving over something (e.g., The car went over the bump). The object (details, plans, report) usually makes the 'review' meaning clear.
Examples
- Let's go over the meeting agenda before we start.
- Could you go over my essay and check for errors?
- We need to go over the budget figures again.
- The detective went over the crime scene meticulously.
Dialogue
Supervisor: Before you submit the proposal, can we go over it together?
Employee: Sure. When works for you?
Supervisor: How about this afternoon? I want to go over the key objectives and the budget section.
Employee: Okay, sounds good. I'll bring a printed copy.
Social Media Examples
- Business Tweet: Need to go over the Q3 results with the team tomorrow. Preparing the slides now. #management #reporting
- Student Forum Post: Anyone want to go over the study notes for the final exam together? DM me! #studygroup #finals
- Slack Message: @channel Let's go over the project timeline in the 10 AM meeting.
Response Patterns
- Agreement/Confirmation: Okay, let's do that., Sure, I'm ready., Good idea.
- Clarification: Go over it now?, What specifically should we focus on?
- Postponement: Can we go over it later? I'm busy right now.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After suggesting going over something:
- The participants usually gather the necessary materials (documents, notes).
- Someone might ask Where should we start?.
- The action is to begin the review process.
After having gone over something:
- Does everything look okay?
- Any questions or changes?
- Summarize key points or decisions.
Conversation Starter
- Can initiate a specific task or discussion within a meeting or conversation. Not a general conversation opener.
Intonation
- Stress typically falls on go, over, and the item being reviewed.
- Let's GO OVer the PLAN.
- Usually sounds purposeful and focused.
Generation Differences
- Used commonly across all generations.
Regional Variations
- Standard and common in all major English-speaking regions.