What are the definitions of “fritter away”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To waste or squander.
And to make matters worse, he frittered away the money while she was asleep in bed recovering.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “fritter away”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb fritter away is to waste or squander something, usually time or money. It means using resources carelessly or without any purpose.
What are the different verb forms of “fritter away”?
| Root Verb | fritter away |
| Third Person Singular Present | fritters away |
| Present Participle | frittering away |
| Simple Past | frittered away |
| Past Participle | frittered away |
Example
She tends to fritter away her time on social media.
Example
He fritters away his money on unnecessary things.
Example
They are frittering away their savings on expensive vacations.
Example
He frittered away his inheritance in just a few years.
Example
The opportunity was frittered away due to their indecision.
What kind of phrasal verb is “fritter 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
“fritter 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
She frittered away her time on unimportant tasks.
Example
He frittered his money away on gambling.
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
“fritter 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
She frittered away her time on unimportant tasks.
Example
He frittered his money away on gambling.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “fritter away”?
Good things to know
Does “fritter away” have an informal or formal tone?
Fritter away 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 business discussions or academic writing.
