Over vs. Roger — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 8, 2024
"Over" in radio communication signals the end of a transmission and prompts a reply, whereas "Roger" indicates clear receipt of the message with no need for further information.
Difference Between Over and Roger
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Key Differences
In radio communication protocols, "over" is used to signal that a speaker has finished their part of the communication and is now expecting a response from the other party. On the other hand, "Roger" is used to acknowledge that a message has been received and understood without indicating the end of the communication or expecting an immediate reply.
"Over" is integral in managing the flow of conversation in two-way communications, ensuring that each party speaks in turn without interruption. Whereas, "Roger" serves as a simple confirmation that can be used within ongoing exchanges to keep communication clear and efficient without necessarily taking a turn to speak more extensively.
In terms of sequence within communications, "over" is typically used at the end of a statement, before the other person begins to speak. Conversely, "Roger" can be inserted after any received message to signify comprehension before the conversation either continues or concludes.
While "over" explicitly manages turn-taking in dialogue, "Roger" contributes to acknowledgment and can be used alongside other communication checks like "copy" or "received," which similarly indicate that information has been successfully conveyed.
Both "over" and "Roger" are essential for reducing misunderstandings and maintaining discipline in radio communications, but "over" focuses more on the structure of the interaction, while "Roger" focuses on the clarity of the received messages.
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Comparison Chart
Communication Role
Indicates end of turn, prompts response
Acknowledges message receipt
Usage Context
End of a transmission segment
Anytime after receiving a message
Response Expected
Yes, invites other party to speak
No, does not require a direct response
Frequency of Use
At the end of each communication turn
Can be used after any received message
Associated Protocol
Manages communication flow
Enhances clarity and understanding
Compare with Definitions
Over
Used to indicate the end of a speaker's turn in radio communication.
I've arrived at the scene, over.
Roger
Often accompanies or follows other communication checks.
Message received, roger.
Over
Marks a pause in one's own transmission.
Details to follow, over.
Roger
A brief response in various operational contexts.
Roger, the package has been delivered.
Over
Signals readiness to receive a reply.
Do you need further assistance, over?
Roger
Acknowledges receipt and understanding of a message.
Roger, will comply.
Over
Utilized in both military and civilian communication to maintain order.
All units report status, over.
Roger
Used to confirm information without need for immediate reply.
Roger, I see the obstacle.
Over
Essential for structured, clear two-way radio communications.
We are moving to the next checkpoint, over.
Roger
Historically derived from the phonetic alphabet 'R' for 'received'.
Roger that, proceeding as planned.
Over
In or at a position above or higher than
A sign over the door.
A hawk gliding over the hills.
Roger
Roger is a given name, usually masculine, and a surname. The given name is derived from the Old French personal names Roger and Rogier.
Over
Above and across from one end or side to the other
A jump over the fence.
Roger
Your message has been received (used in radio communication)
‘Roger; we'll be with you in about ten minutes.’
Over
To the other side of; across
Strolled over the bridge.
Roger
Used especially in radio communications to indicate receipt of a message.
Over
Across the edge of and down
Fell over the cliff.
Roger
(radio telecommunications) Received used in radio communications to acknowledge that a message has been received and understood
Over
On the other side of
A village over the border.
Roger
To acknowledge by saying "roger".
Over
Upon the surface of
Put a coat of varnish over the woodwork.
Roger
A black flag with white skull and crossbones, formerly used by pirates; - called also Jolly Roger and pirate flag.
Over
On top of or down upon
Clubbed him over the head.
Tripped over the toys.
Over
Through the extent of; all through
Walked over the grounds.
Looked over the report.
Over
Through the medium of; via
Addressed us over the loudspeaker.
Can't tell you over the phone.
Over
So as to cover
Put rocks over a cave entrance.
Threw a shawl over her shoulders.
Over
Up to or higher than the level or height of
The water was over my shoulders.
Over
Through the period or duration of
Records maintained over two years.
Over
Until or beyond the end of
Stayed over the holidays.
Over
More than in degree, quantity, or extent
Over ten miles.
Over a thousand dollars.
Over
In superiority to
Won a narrow victory over her rival.
A distinct advantage over our competitors.
Over
In preference to
Selected him over all the others.
Over
In a position to rule or control
The director presides over the meeting. There is no one over him in the department.
Over
So as to have an effect or influence on
The change that came over you.
Over
At a point at which one is no longer troubled by
I'm not quite over the cold I caught last week.
Over
While occupied with or engaged in
A chat over coffee.
Over
With reference to; concerning
An argument over methods.
Over
Above the top or surface
Climbed the ladder and peered over.
Over
Across to another or opposite side
Stopped at the curb, then crossed over.
Over
Across the edge, brink, or brim
The coffee spilled over.
Over
Across an intervening space
Throw the ball over.
Over
Across a distance in a particular direction or at a location
Lives over in England.
Over
To another often specified place or position
Move your chair over toward the fire.
Over
To one's place of residence or business
Invited us over for cocktails.
Over
Throughout an entire area or region
Wandered all over.
Over
To a different opinion or allegiance
Win someone over.
Over
So as to be comprehensible, acceptable, or effective; across
Eventually got my point over.
Over
To a different person, condition, or title
Sign the property over.
Over
So as to be completely enclosed or covered
The river froze over. Engineers sealed the tunnel entrance over.
Over
Completely through; from beginning to end
Think the problem over. Let's read the memo over.
Over
From an upright position
Kicked the bookstand over.
Over
From an upward position to an inverted or reversed position
Turn the paper over.
Over
Another time; again
Counted his cards over.
Had to do it over.
Over
In repetition
Made me write it ten times over.
Over
In addition or excess; in surplus
Lots of food left over.
Over
Beyond or until a specified time
Stay a day over.
Over
At an end
Summer is over.
Over
A series of six balls bowled from one end of a cricket pitch.
Over
To jump over
Horse and rider overed the stile with ease.
Over
Used in two-way radio to indicate that a transmission is complete and a reply is awaited.
Over
Discontinued; ended or concluded.
The show is over.
Over
Thoroughly; completely; from beginning to end.
Let's talk over the project at tomorrow's meeting.
Let me think that over.
I'm going to look over our department's expenses.
Over
(often in compounds) To an excessive degree; overly.
Over
From an upright position to a horizontal one.
He tipped the bottle over, and the water came gushing out.
That building just fell over!
He bent over to touch his toes.
Over
Horizontally; left to right or right to left.
Slide the toilet-paper dispenser's door over when one roll is empty in order to reveal the other.
I moved over to make room for him to sit down.
Over
From one side of something to another, passing above it.
The fence is too high. I don't think I'll be able to get over.
Over
From one position or state to another.
Please pass that over to me.
He came over to our way of thinking on the new project.
Come over and play!
I'll bring over a pizza.
Over
Overnight throughout the night.
We stayed over at Grandma's.
Can I sleep over?
Over
Again; another time; once more; over again.
I lost my paper and I had to do the entire assignment over.
Over
(cricket) A set of six legal balls bowled.
Over
Any surplus amount of money, goods delivered, etc.
Over
A shore, riverbank.
The sea's over.
Over
Expressing spatial relationship.
Over
On top of; above; higher than; further up.
Hold the sign up over your head.
Over
Across or spanning.
There is a bridge over the river.
I looked out over the sea.
Over
In such a way as to cover.
Drape the fabric over the table.
There is a roof over the house.
Over
From one physical position to another via an obstacle that must be traversed vertically, first upwards and then downwards.
The dog jumped over the fence.
I'll go over [the fence] first and then help you.
Let's walk over the hill to get there.
Over
Expressing comparison.
Over
More than; to a greater degree.
I prefer the purple over the pink.
Over
Beyond; past; exceeding; too much or too far.
I think I’m over my limit for calories for today.
Over
(in certain collocations) As compared to.
Sales are down this quarter over last.
Over
Indicating relative status, authority, or power
The owner's son lorded it over the experienced managers.
The prince ruled over a portion of the kingdom.
Over
(mathematics) Divided by.
Two over six equals one over three.
Over
(poker) Separates the three of a kind from the pair in a full house.
9♦9♠9♣6♥6♠ = nines over sixes
Over
Finished with; done with; from one state to another via a hindrance that must be solved or defeated; or via a third state that represents a significant difference from the first two.
We got over the engineering problems and the prototype works great.
I am over my cold and feel great again.
I know the referee made a bad call, but you have to get over it [your annoyance with the referee's decision].
She is finally over [the distress of] losing her job.
He is finally over his [distress over the loss of the relationship with his] ex-girlfriend.
Over
While using, especially while consuming.
Over
Concerning or regarding.
The two boys had a fight over whose girlfriend was the best.
Over
Above, implying superiority after a contest; in spite of; notwithstanding.
We triumphed over difficulties.
The bill was passed over the veto.
It was a fine victory over their opponents.
Over
A radio procedure word meaning that the station is finished with its transmission and is expecting a response.
Bravo Six, this is Bravo Six Four. Stand by for ten mike report one dash three, over.
Bravo Six Four, this is Bravo Six Actual. Send your traffic, over.
How do you receive? Over!
Over
To go over, or jump over.
He overed the fence in good style.
Over
To run about.
The cattle have been overing all day because of the flies.
Over
Above, or higher than, in place or position, with the idea of covering; - opposed to under; as, clouds are over our heads; the smoke rises over the city.
The mercy seat that is over the testimony.
Over them gleamed far off the crimson banners of morning.
Over
Across; from side to side of; - implying a passing or moving, either above the substance or thing, or on the surface of it; as, a dog leaps over a stream or a table.
Certain lakes . . . poison birds which fly over them.
Over
Upon the surface of, or the whole surface of; hither and thither upon; throughout the whole extent of; as, to wander over the earth; to walk over a field, or over a city.
Over
Above; - implying superiority in excellence, dignity, condition, or value; as, the advantages which the Christian world has over the heathen.
Over
Above in authority or station; - implying government, direction, care, attention, guard, responsibility, etc.; - opposed to under.
Thou shalt be over my house.
I will make thee rules over many things.
Dost thou not watch over my sin ?
His tender mercies are over all his works.
Over
Across or during the time of; from beginning to end of; as, to keep anything over night; to keep corn over winter.
Over
Above the perpendicular height or length of, with an idea of measurement; as, the water, or the depth of water, was over his head, over his shoes.
Over
Beyond; in excess of; in addition to; more than; as, it cost over five dollars.
Over
Above, implying superiority after a contest; in spite of; notwithstanding; as, he triumphed over difficulties; the bill was passed over the veto.
Over
From one side to another; from side to side; across; crosswise; as, a board, or a tree, a foot over, i. e., a foot in diameter.
Over
From one person or place to another regarded as on the opposite side of a space or barrier; - used with verbs of motion; as, to sail over to England; to hand over the money; to go over to the enemy.
Over
From beginning to end; throughout the course, extent, or expanse of anything; as, to look over accounts, or a stock of goods; a dress covered over with jewels.
Over
From inside to outside, above or across the brim.
Good measure, pressed down . . . and running over.
Over
Beyond a limit; hence, in excessive degree or quantity; superfluously; with repetition; as, to do the whole work over.
He that gathered much had nothing over.
Over
In a manner to bring the under side to or towards the top; as, to turn (one's self) over; to roll a stone over; to turn over the leaves; to tip over a cart.
Over
Completed; at an end; beyond the limit of continuance; finished; as, when will the play be over?.
Over
Excessively; too much or too greatly; - chiefly used in composition; as, overwork, overhasty, overeager, overanxious, overreact, overcook.
Over
Upper; covering; higher; superior; - chiefly used in composition; as, overshoes, overcoat, over-garment, overlord.
Over
Excessive; too much or too great; - chiefly used in composition; as, overwork, overhaste, overreaction.
Over
A certain number of balls (usually four) delivered successively from behind one wicket, after which the ball is bowled from behind the other wicket as many times, the fielders changing places.
Over
(cricket) the period during which a given number of balls (6 in England but 8 in Australia) are bowled at the batsman by one player from the other team from the same end of the pitch
Over
Having come or been brought to a conclusion;
The harvesting was complete
The affair is over, ended, finished
The abruptly terminated interview
Over
At or to a point across intervening space etc.;
Come over and see us some time
Over there
Over
Throughout an area;
He is known the world over
Over
In such a manner as to be understood and accepted;
She cannot get her ideas across
Over
Throughout a period of time;
Stay over the weekend
Common Curiosities
Can "over" and "Roger" be used together in a communication?
Yes, they can be used together when one party ends their transmission with "over" and the other party acknowledges with "Roger" before starting their own message.
How do "over" and "Roger" contribute to effective communication?
They help maintain discipline and clarity in communications, with "over" managing turn-taking and "Roger" ensuring messages are understood.
What is the difference between "over" and "Roger"?
"Over" is used to signal the end of a transmission and prompt a reply, while "Roger" indicates that the message was received and understood.
What should be said after "over" in radio communication?
After "over", the other party should begin their transmission or provide the required response.
How do training protocols emphasize the use of "over" and "Roger"?
Training protocols stress the importance of these terms for maintaining structured, efficient, and clear communication in high-stakes environments.
Why is "over" important in radio communications?
It organizes the flow of communication, ensuring each party speaks without interruption by clearly delineating turns.
What does "Roger" signify in terms of response requirements?
"Roger" signifies that no immediate verbal response is required, just acknowledgment of message receipt.
Is "Roger" still relevant in modern digital communication?
Yes, "Roger" is still used in various forms of digital and radio communications for its brevity and clarity.
Can "Roger" be used in non-aviation or non-military contexts?
Yes, "Roger" is widely used in various professional and casual communication settings to confirm message receipt.
What are some common mistakes when using "over" and "Roger"?
Common mistakes include using "over" without expecting a reply or using "Roger" when a more detailed response is necessary.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
