What are the definitions of “egg on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Encourage.
The other students EGGED him ON when he started arguing with the teacher.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “egg on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb egg on is to encourage or urge someone to do something, often in a negative or risky situation. It is usually used when someone is being pushed to do something they might not want to do or something that could lead to trouble.
What are the different verb forms of “egg on”?
| Root Verb | egg on |
| Third Person Singular Present | eggs on |
| Present Participle | egging on |
| Simple Past | egged on |
| Past Participle | egged on |
Example
His friends egged him on to jump into the pool.
Example
She always eggs on her brother to play pranks on their parents.
Example
The crowd was egging on the two people arguing in the street.
Example
He was egged on by his friends to ask his crush out.
Example
The children had been egged on to start a food fight in the cafeteria.
What kind of phrasal verb is “egg 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.)
Transitive verb
“egg on” 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 audience egged the performer on during the show.
Example
His teammates egged him on to score the winning goal.
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
“egg 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
The audience egged the performer on during the show.
Example
His teammates egged him on to score the winning goal.
Good things to know
Does “egg on” have an informal or formal tone?
Egg on is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional settings. In more formal contexts, synonyms such as 'encourage' or 'urge' may be more appropriate.
