scoot over

USAGE SUMMARY

"scoot over" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is an informal phrase which can be used in situations where you want someone to move over to make space for another person. For example, "John, scoot over and make some room for me on the sofa."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Her mother motions for Paul to scoot over, then lowers Jude into the space between them on the sofa.

The New Yorker

They get involved in a queeny brawl after much pushing and shoving and shrill demands to "scoot over".

The Guardian - Film

Brits did not, admittedly, kick the goals which kept the Tigers at arm's length but he did just about everything else: fielding high kicks in the full-back position, throwing deftly at the lineout, making a crucial tackle on Alesana Tuilagi and, crucially, creating the space and time for James Short to scoot over for the 29th-minute try which ultimately separated the sides.

The Guardian - Sport

When he caught up to them, he would say, Look, Suzanne, I know you don't know my name, having misaddressed me as Roger that time you asked me to scoot over, but nevertheless I must confess I feel there is something to us.

The New Yorker

Lucy knows that the real love of her leathery husband's life was a younger soldier, the thirteen-year-old best friend whose hand he held when they both went off to fight in the South's Army: "Slept side by side, and when cannon fire got nearer and so loud, they'd scoot over and hold on to one another, all mashed cheek to jowl like puppies in a box".

The New Yorker

Scoot over, Dr. Strangelove, here come the caddies.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

I stretch my legs out in front of me and he scoots over, leaning against me.

The New York Times

And when the nippy new man scooted over from a ruck five metres out, the gold-encrusted crowd rose as one.

The Guardian - Sport

During "Ooh La La," the first song, Mr. Jones scooted over to Ms. Linsey's microphone to coo a bit, while she looked sullen, a pose she maintained for much of the night.

The New York Times - Arts

But they were starting to get on top at the breakdown and they hit back as Emery scooted over out wide.

BBC

My 9-year-old self reacted predictably: bubbling with excitement, I scooted over to see what he'd brought.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scoot over" in informal contexts like asking someone to make space on a crowded sofa or bench. It's friendly and direct.

Common error

Avoid using "scoot over" in professional emails or presentations. Opt for more formal alternatives like "move aside" or "make room" for a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "scoot over" is as a phrasal verb, functioning as an imperative instruction. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scoot over" is a common phrasal verb used to politely request someone to move and make room, primarily used in informal settings. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and prevalent in everyday communication. While versatile, be mindful to adjust your expression to suit the level of formality demanded by the context and to prefer alternative phrases when in doubt. Ludwig examples from diverse sources illustrate its wide applicability, particularly in conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shift over

A close synonym, implying a small adjustment in position.

move aside

A more general and slightly more formal way to ask someone to move.

slide over

Suggests a smooth, gliding motion.

budge over

Similar in meaning and informality, but less common.

make room

Focuses on the result of the movement, creating space.

give me some room

A more direct request for space.

shuffle over

Implies a slight, perhaps awkward, movement.

make space for me

Emphasizes the need for the speaker to occupy the space.

could you move a bit?

A polite and indirect way of asking someone to move.

move along

Can imply moving further away, not just sideways.

FAQs

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

You can use "scoot over" to ask someone to move and create space, for example: "Could you "scoot over" a little so I can sit here?"

What's a less informal way to say "scoot over"?

Alternatives include "move aside", "make room", or "shift over", depending on the context and level of formality desired.

Is it rude to say "scoot over"?

While generally considered informal and direct, the politeness of "scoot over" depends on your tone and the relationship with the person you're addressing. Adding "please" or "could you" can soften the request. If in doubt, it's best to use other alternative phrases.

What's the difference between "scoot over" and "move along"?

"Scoot over" implies a small sideways shift to create space, whereas "move along" can mean to go away entirely or to continue moving forward, not necessarily sideways.