What are the definitions of “rake over”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Talk, think, etc, about something negative in the past.
They keep RAKING OVER the rows we had last year.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “rake over”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb rake over is to talk or think about negative events or situations from the past. It often involves discussing or revisiting past conflicts, disagreements, or problems.
What are the different verb forms of “rake over”?
| Root Verb | rake over |
| Third Person Singular Present | rakes over |
| Present Participle | raking over |
| Simple Past | raked over |
| Past Participle | raked over |
Example
They always rake over their past arguments during family gatherings.
Example
She rakes over the mistakes she made in her previous job.
Example
He is raking over the details of their past disagreements.
Example
Yesterday, they raked over the issues they had in their relationship.
Example
The old conflicts have been raked over many times.
What kind of phrasal verb is “rake over”?
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
“rake over” 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
They raked over their past arguments.
Example
She raked over the mistakes she made in her previous job.
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
“rake over” 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
They raked over their past arguments.
Example
She raked over the mistakes she made in her previous job.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “rake over”?
Good things to know
Does “rake over” have an informal or formal tone?
Rake over is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use alternative phrases such as 'discuss past issues' or 'revisit past conflicts'.
