going over the material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "going over the material" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of reviewing or revisiting content or information, often in an educational or preparatory context. Example: "Before the exam, I will be going over the material to ensure I understand all the key concepts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

I have blind assistants going over the material while I'm doing it to check it.

The New York Times

When Gonzalo struggled over equations, she said, his teacher called him slow rather than going over the material again.

The New York Times

As I look into their eyes I can tell we are all thinking the same thing: their time would be better spent going over the material I taught perfectly well the first time round by themselves.

The Guardian

It was like going over the material constantly and just feeling you're confident about it when you show up on the day.

HuffPost

I loved that during each new day of IOC we could pick right back off where we left the previous day, whereas when you take too much time in between course material it's easy to forget what you previous learned and waste time refreshing or going over the material a second time.

Huffington Post

I think the biggest thing is just going over the material that I learned in 145 again, but also seeing how I've learned more about certain topics in other classes like PSL and BMB.

CBE Life Sciences Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

So sure enough, on the night before the test, I woke up a little bit to see my mother sitting by my bed with a flashlight, softly going over and over the material.

Huffington Post

If you don't understand a concept or need a little extra help in a particular subject, don't wear yourself out going over and over the material again by yourself.

WikiHow

We returned to our group room to go over the material a second time.

The Economist

In larger classes, TFs lead small sections once per week to go over the material from lecture and work through practice problems.

Harvard University

What, if anything, did Congressman Johnson do with the material which Mr. Robinson brought in and gave to him? A. As I recall, Mr. Johnson said that his administrative assistant * * * would go over the material, too and if I am not mistaken, Mr. Johnson called him in and Buarque took the material and I left the office with Mr. Buarque to discuss it some more.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When preparing for an exam or presentation, actively engage with the material by summarizing key points, creating flashcards, or teaching the concepts to someone else. This goes beyond passively "going over the material" and enhances retention.

Common error

Avoid simply rereading notes or textbooks without actively engaging with the content. This passive approach often leads to a false sense of understanding. Instead, test yourself regularly and focus on areas where you struggle when "going over the material".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going over the material" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun in a sentence. It describes the action of reviewing or studying information. Ludwig examples show it's widely used to describe preparation and learning.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "going over the material" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that refers to the act of reviewing or studying information. As Ludwig's examples and analysis show, it's prevalent across various contexts, including news, academia, and general writing. While it maintains a neutral register, more formal alternatives might be suitable for specific professional or scientific settings. It's important to actively engage with the material rather than passively rereading it to ensure effective learning. This is reinforced by the information provided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reviewing the content

Focuses specifically on the act of reviewing, which is a key aspect of going over material.

studying the material

Emphasizes the act of studying as a means of understanding the content.

revisiting the information

Highlights the act of returning to the information to reinforce understanding.

examining the subject matter

Implies a more detailed and critical look at the material.

analyzing the data

Suggests a deeper analysis, particularly applicable when the material involves data or complex information.

covering the syllabus

Relates specifically to academic material and the act of addressing all topics within a syllabus.

mastering the concepts

Focuses on achieving a thorough understanding and command of the concepts.

familiarizing oneself with the topic

Emphasizes becoming acquainted or comfortable with the subject at hand.

refreshing one's understanding

Implies a need to renew or reinforce existing knowledge.

consolidating knowledge

Focuses on strengthening and integrating what has been learned.

FAQs

What does "going over the material" mean?

The phrase "going over the material" means reviewing or studying content, typically for educational or professional purposes. It involves revisiting information to understand and remember it better.

How can I effectively "go over the material" before an exam?

Effective strategies include summarizing key concepts, creating flashcards, practicing with sample questions, and teaching the material to someone else. Active engagement is crucial for retention rather than just passively reading your notes.

What are some alternatives to "going over the material"?

You can use alternatives like "reviewing the content", "studying the material", or "revisiting the information" depending on the context.

Is "going over the material" formal or informal language?

"Going over the material" is considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in highly academic or professional settings.