What are the definitions of “hammer away at”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Work relentlessly.
She HAMMERED AWAY AT her PC all night and finished the project.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “hammer away at”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hammer away at is to work on something continuously and with great effort. It is often used to describe someone who is determined to complete a task or achieve a goal.
What are the different verb forms of “hammer away at”?
| Root Verb | hammer away at |
| Third Person Singular Present | hammers away at |
| Present Participle | hammering away at |
| Simple Past | hammered away at |
| Past Participle | hammered away at |
Example
He hammered away at his homework until it was finished.
Example
She hammers away at her studies every night.
Example
They are hammering away at the project to meet the deadline.
Example
Yesterday, he hammered away at the report for hours.
Example
The team had hammered away at the problem until they found a solution.
What kind of phrasal verb is “hammer 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.)
Intransitive verb
“hammer away at” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
She hammered away at her computer all night.
Example
He hammered away at the piano for hours.
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
“hammer 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
She hammered away at her computer all night.
Example
He hammered away at the piano for hours.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “hammer away at”?
Good things to know
Does “hammer away at” have an informal or formal tone?
Hammer away at is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional settings. Instead, more formal alternatives such as 'work diligently on' or 'persevere with' can be used.
