What are the definitions of “peg away”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Keep working at something.
I PEGGED AWAY for weeks before my exams.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “peg away”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb peg away is to keep working at something, especially when it requires a lot of effort or persistence. It is often used to describe studying, practicing, or working on a task for a long time.
What are the different verb forms of “peg away”?
| Root Verb | peg away |
| Third Person Singular Present | pegs away |
| Present Participle | pegging away |
| Simple Past | pegged away |
| Past Participle | pegged away |
Example
She pegged away at her math homework until she understood it.
Example
He pegs away at his piano lessons every day.
Example
They are pegging away at their project to meet the deadline.
Example
I pegged away at my studies to prepare for the exam.
Example
She had pegged away at her painting for months before it was finished.
What kind of phrasal verb is “peg 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.)
Intransitive verb
“peg away” 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
He pegged away at his studies all night.
Example
She pegged away at her project for weeks.
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
“peg 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
He pegged away at his studies all night.
Example
She pegged away at her project for weeks.
Good things to know
Does “peg away” have an informal or formal tone?
Peg away 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 synonyms such as 'persevere' or 'work diligently' can be used.
