The phrasal verb 'look over' is commonly used in informal communication, though it can also be found in semi-formal contexts. It generally means to quickly examine or review something, often to check for errors or to ensure completeness. Commonly, people 'look over' documents, reports, notes, or lists when they need a brief review to catch any potential issues. While 'look over' is prevalent in everyday speech, it might be replaced by more formal verbs like 'review' or 'examine' in formal writing or professional environments. This phrasal verb can also imply a sense of oversight, such as when a teacher 'looks over' students' work to ensure it meets certain standards. Additionally, 'look over' can carry a more literal meaning when referring to someone visually scanning an area or objects in front of them.
B1
PreIntermediate
1. To examine or inspect something briefly or superficially.
She looked over the report before the meeting.
Can you look over my essay and tell me if it needs any changes?
2. To review something to find any obvious issues or errors.
The editor will look over the draft for any mistakes.
He looked over the contract before signing it.
3. To give someone a quick assessment or study.
The coach looked over her team’s performance and gave feedback.
Before the interview, she looked over the candidate's resume.