What are the definitions of “tear into”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Criticise strongly or angrily.
She TORE INTO me for losing it.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “tear into”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb tear into is to criticize someone or something strongly or angrily. It is often used when someone is very upset or disappointed with another person's actions or behavior.
What are the different verb forms of “tear into”?
| Root Verb | tear into |
| Third Person Singular Present | tears into |
| Present Participle | tearing into |
| Simple Past | tore into |
| Past Participle | torn into |
Example
She tore into him for being late to the meeting.
Example
He tears into his employees when they make mistakes.
Example
She is tearing into her son for not doing his homework.
Example
The coach tore into the team after their poor performance.
Example
He had been torn into by his boss for the project's failure.
What kind of phrasal verb is “tear into”?
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
“tear into” 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
The teacher tore into the student for cheating.
Example
She tore into him for not helping with the chores.
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
“tear into” 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
The teacher tore into the student for cheating.
Example
She tore into him for not helping with the chores.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “tear into”?
Good things to know
Does “tear into” have an informal or formal tone?
Tear into is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations or informal settings. In more formal situations, it is better to use synonyms like 'criticize' or 'reprimand' instead.
