hook over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hook over" is not a standard expression in written English and may not be widely recognized.
It could potentially be used in specific contexts, such as describing the action of something being hooked over another object, but clarity may be lacking without additional context. Example: "He managed to hook the rope over the beam to secure the tent."

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The most rudimentary devices cost less than $10 and hook over a driver's ear.

The New York Times

The headphones hook over the top of your ear, with the audio components discreetly tucked behind your earlobes.

The New York Times - Tech

"He's got a nice jump hook over his left shoulder in the low post," Thorn said of Krstic.

The New York Times - Sports

Then, without a trace of warning, Pintor dropped a shattering right hook over Owen's bony left shoulder.

The Guardian - Sport

The most common type of covering for a small house roof in England and parts of France is flat tile designed to hook over roof battens or boards.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This was simply a flat strip of metal with its edges curled to hook over the rims or grooves of a row of cartridges (also usually five).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Rooney had appeared by now, in time to hook over the bar from six yards, stretching awkwardly at a height considerably lower than Nani's inadvertent kung fu assault.

The Guardian - Sport

Martin stepped in and tossed a short jump hook over Kurt Thomas, drawing a foul and completing a 3-point play with 25.9 seconds remaining.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Weirdbeard shows a dense mid-chest curtain of hair depending from spaghetti-strap sideburns that might actually hook over his ears.

The New Yorker

I buy a $300 electrical device that I hook over my ears and connect to my forehead via an electrode for 20 minutes each day.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For starters, Baylor Coach Kim Mulkey might want to sit Griner down and show her old films of Jabbar shooting the sky hook over overmatched N.B.A. centers, if not Charles flinging them over Griner.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hook over", ensure the context clearly indicates that an object is being attached or secured by placing a hook-shaped part over something. Clarity is key, as it is not a standard idiomatic expression.

Common error

Avoid using "hook over" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and widely recognized terms like "attach with a hook" or "suspend from" to maintain a professional tone and avoid potential ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hook over" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating an action where something is attached or placed using a hook-like mechanism. As Ludwig AI indicates, while not a standard expression, it is generally understandable. The provided examples show its use in describing physical attachments, such as headphones "hooking over" ears or a bag being "hooked over" a pot.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Science

33%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hook over" is a phrasal verb describing the action of attaching something using a hook, commonly found in news and general informational contexts. While not incorrect, Ludwig AI suggests that it is not a standard idiomatic expression, so careful consideration should be given to its use in formal writing. Alternatives like "secure with a hook" or "attach with a hook" might be more appropriate in professional contexts. With 51 examples, its usage is categorized as very common, indicating its broad, though not always formal, acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secure with a hook

Focuses on the fastening aspect using a hook, removing the directional element.

fasten by hooking

Highlights the action of fastening, emphasizing the method of using a hook.

attach with a hook

Emphasizes the act of attaching using a hook, irrespective of the direction.

suspend from a hook

Emphasizes the act of hanging something using a hook, highlighting the suspending action.

hang over

Emphasizes the positioning of something extending downwards from an edge or point.

drape over

Emphasizes the act of loosely arranging something over a surface or object.

loop around

Focuses on the encircling action, using a loop to attach or secure.

extend across

Highlights the action of reaching or stretching across a space or object.

reach over

Focuses on the act of extending one's arm or something else to access something.

span across

Highlights bridging a gap or covering a distance between two points.

FAQs

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

You can use "hook over" to describe attaching something by its hook-shaped part, like "The headphones "hook over" the top of your ear" or "Hang the hook "over" the side of the jar".

What's a more formal alternative to "hook over"?

In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "secure with a hook", "fasten by hooking", or "attach with a hook" to maintain a professional tone.

Is "hook over" grammatically correct?

While "hook over" is not a standard idiomatic phrase, it's generally acceptable and understandable when the context makes the meaning clear. However, be mindful that using "hang over" or "drape over" might be clearer in certain contexts.

Which is correct, "hook over" or "hooked over"?

"Hook over" is a phrasal verb, while "hooked over" is the past participle or past tense form. The choice depends on the context. For example, "The wire "hooked over" the nail" describes a past action.