run over
Meaning(s)
1. look briefly through something or remind yourself of information (usually not for the first time)
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
run over notes/plans/instructions
Analysis
'Run over' is a versatile phrasal verb with a number of meanings. In this meaning, we use it to talk about briefly reading through something (again) or taking a closer look at something to remind yourself of the details. People can 'run over' their notes for an exam, or their plans for a presentation, or the set-up instructions for their new laptop. There are lots of possibilities. You can use 'run over' in any context.
Social Examples (Advance)
- I'm so nervous about this exam. I'm going to run over my study notes again.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- Sarah took a minute to run over her notes before getting on stage to deliver her speech.
- Do you mind running over those instructions again? I didn't quite catch them the first time.
2. continue or end later than expected or planned
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
run over by 10 minutes, run way over time
Analysis
If something 'runs over', it doesn't finish when expected. Meetings, classes, or appointments of any kind can all run over; and you can say how long they ran over by adding the preposition 'by' - "The class ran over by 10 minutes" - or by just using the word 'time' - "The meeting ran over time and I'll be late home". You can use this phrasal verb in any context, social or professional.
Social Examples (Basic)
- I missed my bus because our last class ran over by 10 minutes!
Professional Examples (Basic)
- I'll be late home this evening. The meeting ran way over time and I'm only leaving the office now.
- I don't want production time to run over today. Finish at exactly the time I told you to.
3. hit or drive over someone or something in a vehicle
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
I ran over a dog/cat with my car
Analysis
This is very similar to 'run (sb/sth) down', where it involves hitting something with a vehicle. It sounds like it literally means driving over something, and that is generally when it is used. Unlike saying 'I knocked someone down' or 'I knocked someone off their bike' when driving, 'running over' something is more likely to be used in relation to animals or something small on the road. However, it can be used if something big drove over a person or a bike.
Social Examples (Basic)
- I'm so upset. A dog ran out in front of my car and I ran over it.
- The woman on the bicycle went through the red light and the man in the truck ran over her.