Phrasal verbs "scrape by" vs "scrape through"

Differences between scrape by and scrape through

Scrape by means to barely manage to survive or make ends meet with limited resources, while scrape through means to barely pass a test or an exam.

Meanings and Definitions: scrape by vs scrape through

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Scrape by

• 1. Just manage to pass something.

  I thought I was going to fail, but SCRAPED BY with 51 %.

Scrape through

• 1. Pass a test but only just.

  I did no revision and only just SCRAPED THROUGH the final exams.

Usage Examples: scrape by, scrape through in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

scrape by

Example

I can scrape by on my current salary, but I would like to earn more.

Example

She scrapes by each month, saving just enough for rent.

scrape through

Example

I didn't study much, but I managed to scrape through the test.

Example

She always scrapes through her exams with minimal effort.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Scrape by

make ends meet

To have enough money to pay for basic necessities.

Example

With her low-paying job, she struggled to make ends meet every month.

live from hand to mouth

To live with very little money and struggle to afford basic necessities.

Example

After losing his job, he had to live from hand to mouth until he found a new one.

get by

To manage to survive or cope with a difficult situation with limited resources.

Example

With the help of her friends, she was able to get by during her tough times.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Scrape through

pass by the skin of one's teeth

To barely pass a test or an exam.

Example

He passed the exam by the skin of his teeth after studying all night.

just make it

To barely succeed or accomplish something.

Example

She just made it to the airport in time for her flight.

narrowly avoid failure

To almost fail but manage to succeed at the last moment.

Example

He narrowly avoided failure by submitting his project just before the deadline.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “scrape”

• scrape together
• scrape along
• scrape in
• scrape through
• scrape up

Phrasal Verbs with “by”

• check by
• drive by
• drop by
• stop by
• sit by

Phrasal Verbs with “through”

• look through
• fall through
• romp through
• follow through
• run through

Differences in scrape by vs scrape through: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: scrape by or scrape through?

Both scrape by and scrape through are commonly used in everyday conversation, but scrape by is more frequently used than scrape through. This is because scrape by is used to describe a difficult financial situation that many people face, while scrape through is used less often as it refers to a specific situation of passing an exam or test.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of scrape by and scrape through

Both scrape by and scrape through are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, in more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of scrape by and scrape through

The tone of scrape by and scrape through can differ based on context. Scrape by often carries a negative or desperate tone when referring to financial struggles, while scrape through typically has a relieved or surprised tone when referring to passing an exam or test.

scrape by & scrape through: Synonyms and Antonyms

Scrape by

Synonyms

• manage
• survive
• succeed
• pass
• get by
• make do
• eke out

Antonyms

• fail
• struggle
• lack
• miss
• fall short
• not make it

Scrape through

Synonyms

• barely pass
• narrowly succeed
• just make it
• squeak by
• eke out

Antonyms

• fail
• fall short
• miss the mark
• not make it
• come up short