can't get over

USAGE SUMMARY

"Can't get over" is correct and usable in written English
It is typically used to express shock or disbelief, or to describe a feeling that something is difficult to accept. For example: "I can't get over the fact that she left without saying goodbye."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Social Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's when you can't get over the winning line.

The Guardian - Sport

He asks why they can't get over immediately.

The New Yorker

"It's one of those things that as a fan you can't get over".

The New York Times - Sports

"You can't get over aggressive.

BBC

I'm like a breakup he can't get over".

Huffington Post

Maybe you can't get over how sweet he is.

WikiHow

I can't get over that.

The New York Times

Harber's family can't get over the difference.

The Guardian

But I can't get over the hurt.

The New York Times

"It's like they can't get over it".

The New York Times

I still can't get over the queues.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In creative writing, use this phrase to show a character is lingering on a specific detail, such as a physical trait or a past mistake.

Common error

Avoid using "can't get over" in sentences where literal physical obstacles are present unless you intend to be humorous, as it can cause temporary ambiguity for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can't get over" functions as a negated modal verb phrase followed by a phrasal verb. According to Ludwig, it serves as an idiomatic expression where the literal meaning of crossing an obstacle is transformed into a figurative state of mental or emotional arrest.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Social Media

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can't get over" is a highly effective idiomatic tool for expressing deep surprise or emotional preoccupation. Ludwig AI confirms its extensive use in authoritative journalistic sources, where it describes everything from a shock at a political event to simple amazement at a person's appearance. While it is incredibly common in everyday speech and media, writers should be mindful of its slightly informal tone in strictly academic or highly technical documents. Overall, it remains one of the most natural ways in English to signal that something has captured your attention so strongly that you cannot stop thinking about it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot believe

Directly emphasizes the element of disbelief or shock regarding a fact.

am stunned by

Increases the intensity of the surprise or shock being felt.

am amazed at

Focuses specifically on positive surprise or admiration.

cannot stop marveling at

Expresses ongoing fascination or wonder rather than just initial shock.

remain shocked by

Stresses the enduring nature of the disbelief over time.

still thinking about

Suggests a lingering mental preoccupation without necessarily implying shock.

cannot move past

Used specifically for emotional trauma or past events that haunt someone.

haven't recovered from

Focuses on the lasting impact of a significant event or piece of news.

find it hard to accept

More formal way to express difficulty in processing a reality.

am obsessed with

Informal alternative that highlights extreme interest or fixation.

FAQs

How to use can't get over in a sentence?

You can use "can't get over" to express shock, such as: "I <a href="/s/cannot+believe" target="_blank" rel="alternative">cannot believe how much he has grown" or "I simply can't get over the news."

What does it mean when you can't get over someone?

It typically means you <a href="/s/cannot+move+past" target="_blank" rel="alternative">cannot move past a romantic relationship or an emotional connection with that person.

Can I use can't get over in formal writing?

It is generally considered neutral but slightly informal; in academic contexts, you might prefer to say you <a href="/s/find+it+hard+to+accept" target="_blank" rel="alternative">find it hard to accept or remain surprised by a finding.

What is a synonym for can't get over?

A strong synonym for expressing amazement is to say you <a href="/s/am+stunned+by" target="_blank" rel="alternative">am stunned by something.