Browse all

roof over

C1 neutral separable transitive
In simple words

To put a roof on top of a space that didn't have one before.

Literal meaning: To place a roof over a space — fully transparent.

Meanings

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."

Grammar: separable
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."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

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.

Commonly used with

courtyard terrace space area patio atrium yard

Forms

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

Understand "roof over" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "roof over" on Looplines