fold over

USAGE SUMMARY

"fold over" can be used correctly and effectively in written English.
It is most often used when referring to a type of movement that involves bending or turning something in a certain direction. For example, "Fold over the top edge of the fabric so you can sew it shut."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Fold over again, and stitch along the top.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Line the cake tin with clingfilm, leaving enough overhanging to fold over after filling.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Exhale, fold over again.

Huffington Post

Fold over once away from you.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Fold over the edges of the pastry.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Fold over the foil then cover with the lid.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

6 Fold over the top half of the dough.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Fold over the foil and seal the edges.

The New York Times

Fold over and lay on top of everything else.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

There's a little fold-over metal stand to angle them upwards.

The Guardian - Tech

G.I.s in the Second World War wrote home on fold-over V-Mail sheets.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving instructions for crafts or cooking, use "fold over" to clearly describe the action of bending one part of a material or ingredient onto another. For example, "Fold over the dough to create a filled pastry."

Common error

Avoid using "fold over" when referring to abstract concepts or metaphorical situations where a physical folding action is not implied. For example, instead of saying "The plan folded over due to lack of funding", use "The plan failed due to lack of funding."

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "fold over" functions primarily as an action verb, indicating a physical manipulation involving bending one part of something onto another. As Ludwig AI indicates, this action is commonly found in instructions and descriptions. For example, "Fold over the edges of the pastry."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

30%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Science

8%

Food

7%

Tech

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fold over" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the action of bending one part of something onto another. Ludwig AI highlights its common usage in instructional contexts. While grammatically correct and widely understood, it’s best suited for contexts involving physical manipulation. Related phrases include ""bend over"" and ""turn over"", but the specific nuance of bending and covering distinguishes "fold over". To use it effectively, ensure you're describing a tangible action and avoid using it in abstract or metaphorical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bend over

Similar in meaning to "fold over", but implies a bending motion, often of a person's body.

turn over

Indicates a rotation or flipping action, rather than a direct folding.

double over

Implies bending sharply, often due to pain or laughter.

lap over

Describes one part extending over another, similar to folding but often unintentional.

cover over

Focuses on the action of covering something completely.

wrap around

Suggests encircling something by bending it.

tuck in

Implies neatly folding something in or around another object.

overlap

Refers to the state where one thing partially covers another by extending over it.

close over

Emphasizes the action of closing something by folding it.

infold

Describes folding inward or upon itself.

FAQs

How do you use "fold over" in a sentence?

You can use "fold over" to describe the action of bending something, such as "Fold over the paper to make an origami crane" or "Fold over the edge of the fabric before sewing a hem".

What is a synonym for "fold over"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "fold over" include "bend over", "turn over", or "wrap around".

When is it appropriate to use "fold over"?

"Fold over" is appropriate when describing a physical action of bending or turning something onto itself or another object, particularly in instructions or descriptions of crafts, cooking, or physical movements.

What's the difference between "fold over" and ""turn over""?

"Fold over" implies bending one part of something onto another, while ""turn over"" suggests rotating or flipping something, often to reveal the other side. For example, you "fold over" a piece of paper, but "turn over" a pancake.