What are the definitions of “feed on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Grow stronger.
The opposition party's FEEDING ON the government's weaknesses.
- 2Consume in an animal's diet.
The bats FEED ON insects.
- 3Give someone a particular food.
He FEEDS his cat ON dry food.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “feed on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb feed on is to consume something as food, especially for animals. It refers to what an animal eats as part of its diet. For example, cows feed on grass, and birds feed on seeds.
What are the different verb forms of “feed on”?
| Root Verb | feed on |
| Third Person Singular Present | feeds on |
| Present Participle | feeding on |
| Simple Past | fed on |
| Past Participle | fed on |
Example
Cows feed on grass in the pasture.
Example
The squirrel feeds on nuts and seeds.
Example
The birds are feeding on the breadcrumbs we left.
Example
The deer fed on the plants in the garden.
Example
The insects have fed on the leaves, leaving holes behind.
What kind of phrasal verb is “feed on”?
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
“feed on” 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 bats feed on insects.
Example
The opposition party is feeding on the government's weaknesses.
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
“feed on” 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 bats feed on insects.
Example
The opposition party is feeding on the government's weaknesses.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “feed on”?
Good things to know
Does “feed on” have an informal or formal tone?
Feed on is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as scientific discussions about animal diets or political analysis.
