What are the definitions of “hammer into”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Repeat something over a period of time to make someone remember it.
He HAMMERED the rules INTO me.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “hammer into”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hammer into is to repeatedly teach or emphasize something to someone over a period of time, so they remember it. This can be used for teaching rules, important information, or any other concept that needs to be remembered.
What are the different verb forms of “hammer into”?
| Root Verb | hammer into |
| Third Person Singular Present | hammers into |
| Present Participle | hammering into |
| Simple Past | hammered into |
| Past Participle | hammered into |
Example
The teacher hammered the math formulas into the students' minds.
Example
She hammers the rules into her children every day.
Example
He is hammering the safety guidelines into the new employees.
Example
My parents hammered the importance of education into me when I was young.
Example
The coach hammered the team's strategy into the players before the big game.
What kind of phrasal verb is “hammer 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
“hammer 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 teacher hammered the rules into the students.
Example
She hammered the importance of punctuality into her team.
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 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 teacher hammered the rules into the students.
Example
She hammered the importance of punctuality into her team.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “hammer into”?
Good things to know
Does “hammer into” have an informal or formal tone?
Hammer into is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. In more formal settings, alternative phrases such as 'emphasize,' 'reinforce,' or 'instill' may be more appropriate.
