What are the definitions of “eat away”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Destroy slowly.
The disease EATS the liver AWAY.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “eat away”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb eat away is to slowly destroy or consume something, often through a gradual process. This can refer to physical objects, such as materials being eroded, or abstract concepts, such as emotions or health.
What are the different verb forms of “eat away”?
| Root Verb | eat away |
| Third Person Singular Present | eats away |
| Present Participle | eating away |
| Simple Past | ate away |
| Past Participle | eaten away |
Example
The acid eats away the metal over time.
Example
Stress eats away at her health.
Example
The rust is eating away the car's exterior.
Example
The termites ate away the wooden structure.
Example
The fabric was eaten away by the strong chemicals.
What kind of phrasal verb is “eat away”?
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
“eat away” 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 disease eats away the liver.
Example
The ocean waves eat away the shoreline.
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
“eat away” 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 disease eats away the liver.
Example
The ocean waves eat away the shoreline.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “eat away”?
Good things to know
Does “eat away” have an informal or formal tone?
Eat away is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal writing or presentations.
