What are the definitions of “gnaw away at”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Harm gradually.
Their behaviour GNAWED AWAY AT our trust in them.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “gnaw away at”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb gnaw away at is to gradually cause damage or destroy something. It is often used to describe a situation where something is slowly being eroded or weakened over time. For example, it can be used to talk about trust, confidence, or even physical objects being slowly damaged.
What are the different verb forms of “gnaw away at”?
| Root Verb | gnaw away at |
| Third Person Singular Present | gnaws away at |
| Present Participle | gnawing away at |
| Simple Past | gnawed away at |
| Past Participle | gnawed away at |
Example
The constant criticism started to gnaw away at her self-esteem.
Example
His constant complaining gnaws away at my patience.
Example
The guilt was gnawing away at him.
Example
The harsh weather gnawed away at the wooden fence.
Example
His doubts had gnawed away at his confidence.
What kind of phrasal verb is “gnaw away at”?
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
“gnaw away at” 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 constant worry gnawed away at her.
Example
His negative comments gnawed away at my confidence.
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
“gnaw away at” 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 constant worry gnawed away at her.
Example
His negative comments gnawed away at my confidence.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “gnaw away at”?
Gnaw away at one's confidence
To gradually erode someone's self-assurance or self-belief.
Example
His constant criticism was gnawing away at her confidence.
Good things to know
Does “gnaw away at” have an informal or formal tone?
Gnaw away at is a neutral phrasal verb. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, it is more commonly used in written English or in more formal spoken English. It is not as commonly used in casual, everyday conversation.
