Is "run over" separable?

No, it is usually inseparable; the object follows the whole verb.

Can "run over" be used in formal writing?

It’s common in informal and spoken English, but you can use it in formal writing when reviewing information.

What is the difference between "run over" and "go over"?

Both can mean to review, but "go over" is more formal and common in professional settings.

Can "run over" only be used for accidents?

No, it also means to quickly check or review something.

Run over sth Meaning & Examples: How to Use This Phrasal Verb

What Does “Run over sth” Mean?

“Run over sth” is a phrasal verb that means to quickly review or check something, or to accidentally hit something or someone with a vehicle.

Introduction

The phrasal verb “run over sth” has two main meanings. First, it can mean to examine or review something carefully but quickly, like going over notes or plans. Second, it can mean to drive a vehicle over something or someone, usually by accident. Understanding the run over sth meaning helps you use it correctly in different situations. Whether you’re talking about reviewing information or describing an accident, this phrase is common in everyday English.

Quick Info Box

Phrasal verb: run over something
Type: transitive
Level: B1
Short meaning: to review quickly; to hit with a vehicle

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Run over sth” is a transitive phrasal verb, so it needs an object. It is usually inseparable, meaning the object comes after the whole verb.

Correct: I need to run over the report before the meeting.
Incorrect: I need to run the report over.

How to Use Run over sth?

You can use “run over sth” when you want to say you quickly check or discuss something. It’s often used in work or study contexts. It is also used when describing accidents involving vehicles hitting something or someone.

Examples of quick review:

Let’s run over the agenda before the call.
Can you run over your notes one more time?

Examples of accidents:

The driver accidentally ran over a cat.
She was run over while crossing the street.

Examples

When preparing for a presentation, it’s helpful to run over your notes.

Before the exam, I ran over my flashcards to remember key points.
We ran over the main ideas quickly during the meeting.
Unfortunately, the cyclist was run over by a car last night.
The delivery truck ran over some packages in the yard.

These examples show how to use run over sth in a sentence in different contexts.

Common Mistakes

People often confuse the position of the object with this phrasal verb. Because it’s inseparable, the object must follow the entire verb.

Incorrect: I will run the plan over tomorrow.
Correct: I will run over the plan tomorrow.
Incorrect: He ran the dog over.
Correct: He ran over the dog.

Differences / Synonyms

Similar phrasal verbs include “go over” and “check out.”

Run over vs. Go over: Both mean to review, but “go over” is more common in formal settings.
Run over vs. Check out: “Check out” means to look at or examine but is less about reviewing details.
Run over (accident) vs. Hit: “Run over” specifically means hitting with a vehicle, while “hit” is more general.

Common Collocations

We often use “run over” with objects related to documents, plans, or accidents.

Run over notes – quickly review written information
Run over agenda – review the list of topics
Run over report – check a formal document
Run over person/animal – hit with a vehicle
Run over package – accidentally drive over an object

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of run over sth:

Real-life Dialogue

At work, colleagues often use this phrase to prepare for meetings.

Anna: Can we run over the presentation slides before the client call?

Ben: Sure, I want to make sure everything is clear.

Anna: Great! Also, did you hear about the accident? Someone ran over a dog near the park.

Ben: That’s sad. I hope the dog is okay.

Practice

Try completing the sentences using “run over.”

Before the exam, I like to ______ my notes quickly.
The delivery van accidentally ______ the box in the driveway.
Let’s ______ the schedule before the meeting starts.

FAQ

What does “run over sth” mean? It means to quickly review something or to hit something with a vehicle.
Is “run over” separable? No, it is usually inseparable; the object follows the whole verb.
Can “run over” be used in formal writing? It’s common in informal and spoken English, but you can use it in formal writing when reviewing information.
What is the difference between “run over” and “go over”? Both can mean to review, but “go over” is more formal and common in professional settings.
Can “run over” only be used for accidents? No, it also means to quickly check or review something.