What are the definitions of “scrape by”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Just manage to pass something.
I thought I was going to fail, but SCRAPED BY with 51 %.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “scrape by”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb scrape by is to barely manage or succeed in doing something, often with difficulty. It is often used to describe situations where someone has just enough resources or barely meets the requirements to pass or survive.
What are the different verb forms of “scrape by”?
| Root Verb | scrape by |
| Third Person Singular Present | scrapes by |
| Present Participle | scraping by |
| Simple Past | scraped by |
| Past Participle | scraped by |
Example
I can scrape by on my current salary, but I would like to earn more.
Example
She scrapes by each month, saving just enough for rent.
Example
They are scraping by on a tight budget while looking for better jobs.
Example
He scraped by in the exam, getting just enough marks to pass.
Example
We scraped by last winter, even though it was tough.
What kind of phrasal verb is “scrape by”?
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
“scrape by” 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
I scraped by on my last exam.
Example
She scraped by with just enough money to pay the bills.
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
“scrape by” 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
I scraped by on my last exam.
Example
She scraped by with just enough money to pay the bills.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “scrape by”?
Good things to know
Does “scrape by” have an informal or formal tone?
Scrape by is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in both casual and more formal settings, depending on the context. However, in very formal situations, it might be more appropriate to use synonyms like 'manage' or 'succeed' instead.
