The universal preposition over and five ways to use it to help you sound like a native speaker.

The preposition "over" is one of the most frequently used in English. Native speakers use it daily in a wide variety of situations. However, for Russian speakers, it often causes confusion. New York Forum Daily explores the main meanings and uses of this preposition.

Pretext over — a universal tool of the English language. Its meaning depends on the context.

Understanding the main cases of its use helps you navigate faster speech and sound more natural.

Position in space: "above" without contact

This is the main meaning of the preposition over. Unlike above, which simply means "above," over conveys a sense of overhanging or covering from above.

Example:

• Dark clouds gathered over the city — Dark clouds gathered over the city.
• She held an umbrella over her head — She held an umbrella over her head.

On the subject: Eight free English tests: how to quickly determine your level

Movement: "through", "over", "on top"

In this case over describes movement involving overcoming an obstacle or crossing space.

Example:

• The cat jumped over the fence — The cat jumped over the fence.
• We walked over the hill — We crossed the hill.

Quantity and age: "more", "higher"

Here over used as a colloquial equivalent more thanThis usage sounds simpler and more natural in speech.

Example:

• I've been waiting for over an hour — I've been waiting for more than an hour.
• She is over 30 — She's over 30.
• The temperature is over 40 degrees — The temperature is above 40 degrees.

Reason and topic: "because of", "regarding"

Pretext over often found with verbs related to arguments, experiences, or discussions.

Example:

• They argued over money — They argued about money.
• Don't cry over spilled milk - Don't cry over spilled milk.

Time: "during", "for"

This preposition is also used to describe the period of time against which events take place.

Example:

• Things have changed over the years — Everything has changed over the years.
• We'll discuss it over lunch — Let's discuss this over lunch.
• I stayed over the weekend — I stayed for the weekend.