What are the definitions of “nag at”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Repeatedly criticise someone verbally.
My boss is always NAGGING AT me about my arriving a few minutes late for work.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “nag at”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb nag at is to repeatedly criticize someone verbally, often in an annoying or persistent manner. It usually refers to someone who constantly complains or finds fault with another person.
What are the different verb forms of “nag at”?
| Root Verb | nag at |
| Third Person Singular Present | nags at |
| Present Participle | nagging at |
| Simple Past | nagged at |
| Past Participle | nagged at |
Example
My mom always nags at me to clean my room.
Example
He nags at his employees to work harder.
Example
She is always nagging at her husband to fix the leaky faucet.
Example
Yesterday, she nagged at her son to do his homework.
Example
He felt like he was constantly being nagged at by his teacher.
What kind of phrasal verb is “nag 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
“nag 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
My mom nags at me to clean my room.
Example
He nags at his employees to work harder.
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
“nag 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
My mom nags at me to clean my room.
Example
He nags at his employees to work harder.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “nag at”?
Good things to know
Does “nag at” have an informal or formal tone?
Nag at is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use synonyms like 'criticize,' 'reprimand,' or 'find fault with.'
