What are the definitions of “throw yourself at”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Make it clear you are sexually attracted to someone.
He THREW HIMSELF AT her but she wasn't interested.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “throw yourself at”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb throw yourself at is to make it clear that you are sexually attracted to someone. This usually involves a lot of attention and effort to get the person's attention.
What are the different verb forms of “throw yourself at”?
| Root Verb | throw yourself at |
| Third Person Singular Present | throws himself/herself at |
| Present Participle | throwing yourself at |
| Simple Past | threw yourself at |
| Past Participle | thrown yourself at |
Example
She threw herself at him, but he was not interested.
Example
He throws himself at every girl he meets.
Example
She is throwing herself at him, but he doesn't seem to notice.
Example
She threw herself at him at the party last night.
Example
She had thrown herself at him, but he was not interested.
What kind of phrasal verb is “throw yourself 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
“throw yourself 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 threw herself at him, but he was not interested.
Example
He throws himself at every girl he meets.
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
“throw yourself 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 threw herself at him, but he was not interested.
Example
He throws himself at every girl he meets.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “throw yourself at”?
To seize an opportunity eagerly and without hesitation.
Example
When the job offer came, she threw herself at it.
Good things to know
Does “throw yourself at” have an informal or formal tone?
Throw yourself at is a phrasal verb that is used in both formal and informal contexts. However, it is more commonly used in informal situations, especially when discussing personal relationships. For example, 'She threw herself at him, but he was not interested.'
