What are the definitions of “claw back”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Get money back.
The new tax will CLAW BACK what the government has given out in grants.
- 2Retake possession with difficulty.
The opposition parties are trying to CLAW BACK the voters they lost in the last election.
- 3Regain possession with difficulty.
They are CLAWING BACK their market share from their competitors.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “claw back”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb claw back is to regain or recover something, usually money or possessions, with difficulty or effort. It often refers to getting back something that was previously lost or given away.
What are the different verb forms of “claw back”?
| Root Verb | claw back |
| Third Person Singular Present | claws back |
| Present Participle | clawing back |
| Simple Past | clawed back |
| Past Participle | clawed back |
Example
The company is trying to claw back its lost profits.
Example
She claws back the money she lent to her friend.
Example
He is clawing back the time he lost due to illness.
Example
They clawed back their market share last year.
Example
The government has clawed back some of the tax breaks it gave earlier.
What kind of phrasal verb is “claw back”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“claw back” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The company clawed back its lost market share.
Example
She clawed back the money she lent to her friend.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“claw back” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The company clawed back its lost market share.
Example
She clawed back the money she lent to her friend.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “claw back”?
Good things to know
Does “claw back” have an informal or formal tone?
Claw back is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in business, finance, and legal settings, as well as in everyday conversations.
