go over well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "go over well" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that something has been successful, often when it relates to the reception of an idea or performance. For example: "My speech at the new employee orientation went over well; everyone seemed to enjoy it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That didn't go over well".

The New York Times

It didn't go over well.

The New York Times - Magazine

It does not go over well.

The New York Times

This did not go over well.

The New York Times

It did not necessarily go over well.

The New York Times

The protest did not go over well.

The New York Times

That should go over well.

The New York Times

Does it go over well?

The New York Times

That's not likely to go over well.

The New York Times

It didn't go over well at all".

The New Yorker

That order did not go over well.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "go over well" to describe how an idea, plan, or performance is received by an audience. For example, "The presentation didn't go over well with the investors."

Common error

Avoid literal interpretations of "go over well". It doesn't refer to a physical movement but to the reception or success of something. For example, saying "The bridge went over well" to mean it was physically constructed effectively is incorrect; instead, use it to indicate public approval or success of the bridge's purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go over well" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase, expressing the manner in which something is received or accepted. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It describes the success or positive reception of an idea, plan, or performance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "go over well" is a common and correct idiomatic phrase used to describe the reception of something, such as an idea or performance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it maintains a neutral register, it may be considered slightly informal for highly academic settings. When using this phrase, ensure it reflects the intended meaning of positive reception or success. Alternatives like "be well-received" or "meet with approval" can be used to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be well-received

Focuses more directly on the positive reception by an audience or group.

be favorably received

Similar to "be well-received" but emphasizes the positive nature of the reception.

land well

Similar to "go over well", implying a successful impact or reception.

be a success

Indicates a positive outcome or accomplishment, shifting the focus from reception to result.

meet with approval

Highlights the positive sentiment or endorsement received.

resonate well

Emphasizes the positive impact or echo created.

find acceptance

Suggests a process of gaining approval or being welcomed.

strike a chord

Implies resonating emotionally or intellectually with an audience.

hit the mark

Conveys achieving the intended goal or effect.

pass muster

Indicates meeting the required standards or approval.

FAQs

How can I use "go over well" in a sentence?

"Go over well" is used to describe how an idea, performance, or suggestion is received. For example, "The new policy didn't "go over well" with the employees" means the employees didn't like or approve of the new policy.

What can I say instead of "go over well"?

You can use alternatives like "be well-received", "meet with approval", or "be a success" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "went over well" or should I use another tense?

The tense of "go over well" should change to match the time frame you're describing. "Went over well" is the past tense, "goes over well" is present tense, and so on. All are grammatically correct depending on the context.

What does it mean when something doesn't "go over well"?

If something doesn't ""go over well"", it means it wasn't received positively. People might not have liked it, agreed with it, or found it effective. It indicates a negative or unsuccessful reception.