1 B1 neutral
To read a document or piece of writing carefully, typically to check it or review it.
"Please read over your answers before handing in the exam paper."
separable
read over
B1 neutral separable transitive
To read something carefully, usually to check it or to familiarise yourself with its contents.
In plain English
To read something again carefully to check it or make sure it's right.
What does "read over" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To read something again to refresh your memory or understanding of it.
"I read over my notes from last year's conference before writing the follow-up report."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To cast one's eyes over a piece of text.
Actually means
To read something again carefully to check it or make sure it's right.
Usage tip
Commonly used in professional and academic contexts when reviewing documents, essays, contracts, or emails before finalising them. Slightly more careful than 'look over' — implies actually reading rather than just scanning.
Words that pair with "read over"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
contract essay report notes email document script
How to conjugate "read over"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
read over
I/you/we/they
3rd person
reads over
he/she/it
Past simple
read over
yesterday
Past participle
read over
have + pp
-ing form
reading over
continuous
Hear "read over" in the wild
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Other ways to say "read over"
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