went over well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'went over well' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase used to describe situations where an idea, presentation, etc. has been accepted or made a good impression. For example: The company's new business plan went over well with the investors.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It went over well.

The New York Times - Magazine

But that doesn't mean it went over well with parents.

The New York Times - Magazine

"They were making fun of it, which went over well".

The New York Times

Needless to say, that criticism went over well inside the magazine itself.

The New York Times

(Cookshop was a bust, though they do love Savoy, and Hundred Acres went over well enough).

The New York Times - Food

(Cookshop was a bust, though they do love Savoy, and 100 Acres went over well enough).

The New York Times

The line went over well, for the most part, a populist poke at bureaucratic excess.

The New York Times - Science

Fun., from New York, sang their super-pop chanteys and anthems and went over well.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"It all goes over well in Portland".

The New York Times - Travel

It does not go over well.

The New York Times

That didn't go over well".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "went over well" when you want to indicate that something was positively received by an audience or group. It implies acceptance, approval, or success.

Common error

Avoid using "went over well" in contexts where you intend to convey indifference or neutrality. The phrase inherently implies a positive outcome or reception.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "went over well" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating that something was received positively or successfully. It typically modifies a noun or clause describing the idea, performance, or action that was well-received. Ludwig AI shows many examples of this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Arts

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "went over well" is a common and grammatically correct idiom used to describe something that was positively received or successful. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalent use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While suitable for general communication, formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "was favorably received". Remember to use it to indicate positive reception, and avoid it when indifference or neutrality is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was well-received

Focuses on the positive reception by an audience or group.

was a success

Highlights the successful outcome or positive result.

hit the mark

Suggests precision and accuracy in achieving the desired effect.

resonated with

Emphasizes a deep, emotional connection with the audience.

struck a chord

Similar to "resonated with", but implies a more immediate and noticeable impact.

landed successfully

Implies a planned action that achieved its intended goal.

was favorably received

More formal way of saying "went over well", indicating approval.

made a splash

Suggests a significant and noticeable impact.

was well-accepted

Focuses on the acceptance and approval of something.

proved popular

Indicates widespread approval and enjoyment.

FAQs

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

You can use "went over well" to indicate that something was positively received. For example, "The presentation "went over well" with the investors."

What are some alternatives to "went over well"?

Alternatives include "was well-received", "was a success", or "resonated with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "went over well" in formal writing?

While "went over well" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "was favorably received" might be preferred in highly formal contexts.

What does "went over well" imply about the audience's reaction?

"Went over well" suggests that the audience responded positively, showing approval, interest, or enjoyment. It implies a successful interaction or communication.