What are the definitions of “scrape through”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

1Pass a test but only just.
I did no revision and only just SCRAPED THROUGH the final exams.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “scrape through”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb scrape through is to barely pass a test or succeed in a difficult situation, often with minimal effort or by a small margin. It implies that the person did not perform well but managed to achieve the minimum required result.

What are the different verb forms of “scrape through”?

Root Verb	scrape through
Third Person Singular Present	scrapes through
Present Participle	scraping through
Simple Past	scraped through
Past Participle	scraped through

Example

I didn't study much, but I managed to scrape through the test.

Example

She always scrapes through her exams with minimal effort.

Example

He is scraping through the semester, barely passing his classes.

Example

They scraped through the interview process and got the job.

Example

Despite the challenges, we scraped through and completed the project on time.

What kind of phrasal verb is “scrape through”?

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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

“scrape through” 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

I scraped through the exam with a passing grade.

Example

She scraped through the interview and got the job.

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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

“scrape through” 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

I scraped through the exam with a passing grade.

Example

She scraped through the interview and got the job.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “scrape through”?

Scrape through by the skin of one's teeth

To barely succeed or pass in a situation, often implying that the person was very close to failing.

Example

He scraped through the test by the skin of his teeth, getting the minimum passing score.

Good things to know

Does “scrape through” have an informal or formal tone?

Scrape through is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use synonyms like 'barely pass' or 'narrowly succeed'.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “scrape through”?

Synonyms

barely pass
narrowly succeed
just make it
squeak by
eke out

Antonyms

fail
fall short
miss the mark
not make it
come up short