What are the definitions of “pluck at”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Pull or fiddle with something nervously.
He was PLUCKING AT his cuffs during the interview.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pluck at”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pluck at is to pull or fiddle with something nervously. It is often used to describe a person's actions when they are feeling anxious or uncomfortable.
What are the different verb forms of “pluck at”?
| Root Verb | pluck at |
| Third Person Singular Present | plucks at |
| Present Participle | plucking at |
| Simple Past | plucked at |
| Past Participle | plucked at |
Example
She plucked at her hair while waiting for the test results.
Example
He plucks at his shirt when he is nervous.
Example
She was plucking at her necklace during the presentation.
Example
He plucked at his cuffs during the interview.
Example
She had plucked at her skirt throughout the entire meeting.
What kind of phrasal verb is “pluck 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
“pluck 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
She plucked at her hair.
Example
He plucked at his shirt.
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
“pluck 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 plucked at her hair.
Example
He plucked at his shirt.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pluck at”?
Good things to know
Does “pluck at” have an informal or formal tone?
Pluck at is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
