Meaning
To check or examine something.
Cultural Background
The Swedish government often uses 'se över' to signal that they are starting a 'utredning' (inquiry). It is a key part of the democratic process. In Swedish offices, 'se över' is a polite way to give feedback. It sounds less aggressive than 'fixa felen' (fix the errors). There is a strong 'DIY' culture in Sweden. 'Att se över huset' before winter is a common seasonal ritual. Sweden is highly digitized. 'Se över sina lösenord' (reviewing passwords) is a common tip in Swedish tech media.
The Stress Rule
Always stress the particle 'över'. If you stress 'se', Swedes will think you are using two separate words rather than the phrasal verb.
Don't Overlook
Remember that 'se över' never means 'to ignore' (overlook). Use 'missa' or 'överse' for that.
Meaning
To check or examine something.
The Stress Rule
Always stress the particle 'över'. If you stress 'se', Swedes will think you are using two separate words rather than the phrasal verb.
Don't Overlook
Remember that 'se över' never means 'to ignore' (overlook). Use 'missa' or 'överse' for that.
Office Etiquette
Using 'se över' is a great way to sound professional and thorough in a Swedish workplace.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'se över'.
Jag ______ ______ rapporten igår kväll.
The sentence says 'igår kväll' (yesterday evening), so we need the past tense 'såg över'.
Which sentence is correct?
Which one means 'I need to review my budget'?
'Se över' is the correct phrasal verb for reviewing or examining a budget.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kan du hjälpa mig med min uppsats? B: Ja, jag kan ______ ______ den imorgon.
In a helpful context where someone checks for errors, 'se över' is the most natural choice.
Match the situation to the action.
Your car is making a strange noise.
You are inspecting it to find a fault, which is 'se över'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJag ______ ______ rapporten igår kväll.
The sentence says 'igår kväll' (yesterday evening), so we need the past tense 'såg över'.
Which one means 'I need to review my budget'?
'Se över' is the correct phrasal verb for reviewing or examining a budget.
A: Kan du hjälpa mig med min uppsats? B: Ja, jag kan ______ ______ den imorgon.
In a helpful context where someone checks for errors, 'se över' is the most natural choice.
Your car is making a strange noise.
You are inspecting it to find a fault, which is 'se över'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt is neutral. It works perfectly in both a casual conversation with a friend and a formal business meeting.
No, you don't 'se över' a person unless you are a doctor performing a physical exam (and even then, 'undersöka' is better).
The past tense is 'såg över'. Example: 'Jag såg över kontraktet igår.'
It is two words. 'Överse' (one word) means something completely different (to tolerate/overlook).
Related Phrases
gå igenom
similarTo go through something step-by-step.
se efter
similarTo check on something or look after someone.
se till
similarTo ensure or make sure.
granska
specialized formTo scrutinize or audit.
överse
contrastTo tolerate or overlook a mistake.
