Do over is a phrasal verb, sometimes known as a multi-word verb.
A phrasal verb consists of a Verb + a Particle.
The verb is typically combined with:
A preposition – for example turn on
- My brother turned on the television and ignored me completely.
An adverb – for example break down.
- I am so sorry I am late, my car broke down on the motorway on the way here!
A combination of both – for example look down on.
- I really don’t like how Sarah acts like she is better than me; she is always looking down on me.
A phrasal verb functions as a verb whose meaning is usually different from the combined meanings of the individual words. The meanings of give and give up are very different!
- Peter gave me a lovely watch for my birthday.
- Anthony should give up cigarettes, they are so bad for his health.
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The phrasal verb to do over someone is separable – that means the direct object can go in between the verb and the particle or at the end of the phrasal verb – to do over someone or to do someone over – unless the direct object is a pronoun, then it must go between the two parts of the phrasal verb – do it over.
[Tweet “To do someone over – to attack someone, to kick and beat someone or, to use another phrasal verb, to beat someone up.”]
To do someone over means to attack someone, to kick and beat someone or, to use another phrasal verb, to beat someone up.
- Shane really did over Andy this time – he was admitted to the hospital last night with broken ribs and a broken nose.
- Billy was furious when he found out that Oscar was seeing his girlfriend behind his back. He went to Oscar’s house and he really did him over; I saw Oscar today and he has two black eyes!!
- If I find out who robbed my car I am going to do them over!
[Tweet “Do over is often used in the passive voice: As soon as I saw the broken window I knew the house had been done over.”]
Do over is often used in the passive voice:
- As soon as I saw the broken window I knew the house had been done over.
[Tweet “Do over can also be used to describe decorating a building or room in a different way.”]
Do over can also be used to describe decorating a building or room in a different way.
- Sally does her house over every year – she must be rich!
- It’s been so long since I have had my house done over, I have wallpaper from the 80’s.
[Tweet “To do something over means to redo or repeat something.”]
To do something over means to redo or repeat something.
- You failed your French exam Catherine, I am afraid you are going to have to do it over at the end of the summer holidays.
- Sam, you painted the living room pink when I asked you to paint it green, you’ll have to do it over.
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- 19 Phrasal Verbs with OUT
- List Of Phrasal Verbs with GET!
- 10 Most Commonly Used Multiple Meanings Phrasal Verbs
- List Of Phrasal Verbs With PUT!
- What are the most commonly used Phrasal Verbs about Family?
