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Grammar fix

read over

to read something carefully from beginning to end

to look through a piece of writing from start to finish to check for mistakes or to understand it better.

phrasal verbB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • I always read over my emails before sending them to make sure there are no mistakes.study
  • Before the exam, I like to read over my notes to refresh my memory and feel more confident.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: read over + noun/pronoun

WrongCan you read over it for me?

RightCan you read it over for me?

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'read it over'.

Patternread over + noun/pronoun

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff Please peruse the document prior to signing.

Natural Just read it over before you sign.

'Read over' is the everyday verb for checking through something; 'peruse' is formal.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • read over + text
    it overyour notesthe contractthe draft

Don't confuse it

'Read over' is about checking or reviewing, while 'read out' means to say the words aloud.

Try it in Daily Speak →