SpeakUp

Meaning trap

get over

recover from

To start feeling better after something bad, such as an illness, disappointment, or a difficult experience.

phrasal verbB1common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

recover from

To start feeling better after something bad, such as an illness, disappointment, or a difficult experience.

View meaning map

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • It took her a few weeks to get over the flu.health
  • After my team lost the final, it was hard, but I managed to get over it by focusing on my studies.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: get over (something)

WrongIt took months to get over from the breakup.

RightIt took months to get over the breakup.

'Get over' takes the thing directly — no 'from'.

Patternget over (something)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff It took me a while to recover from the disappointment.

Natural It took me a while to get over it.

'Get over' is the everyday verb for recovering from an illness or upset; 'recover from the disappointment' is heavier.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • get over + setback
    the flua breakupthe shockit

Don't confuse it

Not the same as 'get by' (which means to manage or survive).

Try it in Daily Speak →