What are the definitions of “eat into”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Use something valuable when you don't want to.
We've had to EAT INTO our savings since I lost my job.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “eat into”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb eat into is to use or consume something valuable, such as money or time, when you would prefer not to. It often implies that the resource is being used up faster than desired or expected.
What are the different verb forms of “eat into”?
| Root Verb | eat into |
| Third Person Singular Present | eats into |
| Present Participle | eating into |
| Simple Past | ate into |
| Past Participle | eaten into |
Example
Unexpected expenses are eating into our vacation budget.
Example
The high cost of living eats into their savings every month.
Example
The long commute is eating into his free time.
Example
The medical bills ate into their retirement fund.
Example
The project delays have eaten into our profits.
What kind of phrasal verb is “eat into”?
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 into” 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 high cost of living eats into their savings.
Example
The long commute eats into his free time.
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 into” 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 high cost of living eats into their savings.
Example
The long commute eats into his free time.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “eat into”?
Good things to know
Does “eat into” have an informal or formal tone?
Eat into is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as business discussions or written reports.
