half over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "half over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is partially completed or that a certain amount of time has passed. Example: "The meeting is half over, and we still have a lot to discuss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The month was not half over yet.

The New York Times

"The tournament is only half over," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Life is half over, the glass half emptied.

The New York Times - Books

The process is only half over, he said.

The New York Times

Before the flight was half over, the lion broke loose & started for the pilot.

The New Yorker

The party was only half over, but guests were beginning to drift outside.

The New Yorker

- The season's half over!

Vice

But winter is more than half over.

The New York Times

Nearly half over 60 are overweight.

The New York Times - Magazine

But the job is only half over.

The New York Times - Sports

The carnage was not even half over.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "half over" to describe time, consider if "halfway through" or a more specific time reference would provide clearer context.

Common error

Avoid using "half over" when referring to physical objects split in half, as it typically denotes time or progress. Instead, use "split in half" or "divided in half".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "half over" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun to indicate that something is at its midpoint or has reached a state of partial completion. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "half over" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating that something has reached its midpoint, according to Ludwig. Primarily used in news and media, as well as in general contexts like wikis, it serves to convey a sense of progress or completion. While versatile, it’s crucial to consider context and potential misunderstandings by opting for alternatives like "halfway through" or more specific time references when necessary. Avoiding its use for physical objects is also advised for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fifty percent complete

States the completion in quantitative terms.

halfway through

Focuses on the progress made in relation to the total duration or extent.

at the halfway mark

Synonymous, using mark as another word for point.

partially completed

Replaces "half over" with a more formal term emphasizing the completion aspect.

more than halfway

Indicates that progress is beyond the exact middle point.

midway point

Emphasizes being at the middle stage of an event or process.

at the midpoint

Similar to 'midway point' but with a slightly more formal tone.

approaching the end

Shifts the focus to the remaining portion rather than what has passed.

nearing completion

Highlights the state of being close to finished.

substantially done

Suggests a significant portion is completed, more formal.

FAQs

How can I use "half over" in a sentence?

You can use "half over" to describe a point in time or progress, such as "The game is "halfway through"" or "The semester is "more than halfway over"".

What can I say instead of "half over"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like ""halfway through"", "midway point", or "fifty percent complete".

Is it better to say "half over" or "halfway through"?

Both "half over" and ""halfway through"" are correct, but ""halfway through"" might be clearer when describing progress within a specific timeframe.

Can "half over" be used for physical objects?

While technically understandable, "half over" is less common when referring to physical objects. Phrases like "split in half" or "divided in half" are typically preferred in that context.