Differences between scrape in and scrape through

Scrape in and scrape through are both phrasal verbs that refer to barely succeeding, but they differ in the level of difficulty. Scrape in means to just barely achieve something, often with a lot of effort, while scrape through means to pass or succeed by a narrow margin, often with some luck involved.

Meanings and Definitions: scrape in vs scrape through

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Scrape in

1Just get enough to succeed, pass or be accepted.
The government SCRAPED IN with 51 % of the votes cast.

Scrape through

1Pass a test but only just.
I did no revision and only just SCRAPED THROUGH the final exams.

Usage Examples: scrape in, scrape through in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

scrape in

Example

The student scraped in with a passing grade on the exam.

Example

She scrapes in with just enough votes to win the election.

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 in

make the cut

To be accepted or selected for something, often by meeting certain requirements or standards.

Example

After weeks of auditions, she finally made the cut and got the lead role in the play.

squeeze in

To manage to fit something into a tight schedule or limited space.

Example

He had to squeeze in a quick workout before his flight departed.

just scrape by

To barely survive or make ends meet, often due to financial difficulties.

Example

As a freelance writer, she had to just scrape by until she landed a steady job.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Scrape through

pass by the skin of one's teeth

To pass or succeed by a very narrow margin, often with some luck involved.

Example

He passed the exam by the skin of his teeth after guessing most of the answers.

barely make it

To just barely succeed or accomplish something, often with a lot of effort.

Example

She barely made it to the finish line of the marathon, but she was proud of herself for not giving up.

narrowly escape

To avoid or evade something dangerous or unpleasant by a small margin.

Example

They narrowly escaped the storm by taking shelter in a nearby building.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “scrape”

Phrasal Verbs with “in”

Phrasal Verbs with “through”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: scrape in or scrape through?

Both scrape in and scrape through are commonly used in informal conversations, but scrape through is more frequently used than scrape in. This is because scrape through is more versatile and can be used in various contexts such as exams, competitions, or financial situations. Scrape in is less common and usually used in specific situations like getting accepted into a program or being selected for a team.

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

Neither scrape in nor scrape through are formal phrases, and they are not suitable for professional or academic contexts. Instead, alternative expressions like 'barely pass' or 'just make it' should be used.

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

The tone of scrape in and scrape through can differ based on context. Scrape in often carries a sense of accomplishment or relief, while scrape through can have a negative connotation of barely avoiding failure or disappointment.

scrape in & scrape through: Synonyms and Antonyms

Scrape in

Synonyms

barely succeed
just manage
squeak by
narrowly achieve
eke out

Antonyms

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

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