1 C1 neutral
To add a roof or covered structure to an area that was previously open or exposed.
"They roofed over the courtyard to create an indoor event space."
separable
roof over
C1 neutral separable transitive
To build a roof over an open or exposed space.
In plain English
To put a roof on top of a space that didn't have one before.
What does "roof over" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 neutral
To cover an area with a protective overhead structure for shelter or weatherproofing.
"The architects proposed roofing over the old market square to protect it from the rain."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To place a roof over a space — fully transparent.
Actually means
To put a roof on top of a space that didn't have one before.
Usage tip
Most commonly appears in construction, architecture, and property contexts. Also found in the fixed phrase 'a roof over one's head', meaning having somewhere to live, though this is not quite the same phrasal verb. Relatively uncommon — often replaced by 'cover' or 'enclose' in formal contexts.
Words that pair with "roof over"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
courtyard terrace space area patio atrium yard
How to conjugate "roof over"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
roof over
I/you/we/they
3rd person
roofs over
he/she/it
Past simple
roofed over
yesterday
Past participle
roofed over
have + pp
-ing form
roofing over
continuous
Hear "roof over" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "roof over" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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