What are the definitions of “sponge on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Accept or get money without doing any work.
A lot of people are SPONGING ON the state by claiming benefits they're not entitled to.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “sponge on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb sponge on is to accept or get money or support from someone without doing any work or giving anything in return. It often implies that the person is taking advantage of the situation or the person providing the support.
What are the different verb forms of “sponge on”?
| Root Verb | sponge on |
| Third Person Singular Present | sponges on |
| Present Participle | sponging on |
| Simple Past | sponged on |
| Past Participle | sponged on |
Example
He always sponges on his friends when he needs money.
Example
She sponges on her parents for financial support.
Example
He is sponging on his brother while he looks for a job.
Example
They sponged on their relatives during their vacation.
Example
He had sponged on his friends for years before finding a job.
What kind of phrasal verb is “sponge on”?
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
“sponge on” 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
She sponges on her parents for financial support.
Example
He sponges on his friends when he needs money.
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
“sponge on” 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 sponges on her parents for financial support.
Example
He sponges on his friends when he needs money.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “sponge on”?
Good things to know
Does “sponge on” have an informal or formal tone?
Sponge on is an informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. In more formal settings, it is better to use synonyms like 'depend on' or 'rely on' instead.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “sponge on”?
Synonyms
- freeload
- scrounge
- parasitize
- exploit
- mooch
- live off
- take advantage
- rely on
- depend on
Antonyms
- contribute
- work
- support oneself
- be independent
- give back
- earn
- provide for oneself
