What are the definitions of “eke out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Make something like money last as long as possible.
Most students have to EKE OUT their income because they have so little money to live on.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “eke out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb eke out is to make something, usually money or resources, last as long as possible by using it sparingly. It often refers to managing with limited resources or stretching them to cover a longer period.
What are the different verb forms of “eke out”?
| Root Verb | eke out |
| Third Person Singular Present | ekes out |
| Present Participle | eking out |
| Simple Past | eked out |
| Past Participle | eked out |
Example
She tries to eke out her savings by shopping at discount stores.
Example
He ekes out his monthly salary by cutting down on unnecessary expenses.
Example
They are eking out a living by working multiple part-time jobs.
Example
During the recession, many families eked out their budgets to make ends meet.
Example
She had eked out her food supplies until help arrived.
What kind of phrasal verb is “eke out”?
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
“eke out” 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
They eked out their savings to last the entire trip.
Example
She eked out her food supplies until the end of the month.
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
“eke out” 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
They eked out their savings to last the entire trip.
Example
She eked out her food supplies until the end of the month.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “eke out”?
Good things to know
Does “eke out” have an informal or formal tone?
Eke out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as news articles or academic writing.
