What are the definitions of “beaver away at”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Work hard doing something.
I have to BEAVER AWAY AT it or else I will fail the course.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “beaver away at”?
The phrasal verb beaver away at means to work hard on something, usually for a long time. It is often used to describe someone who is dedicated and focused on completing a task or achieving a goal.
What are the different verb forms of “beaver away at”?
| Root Verb | beaver away at |
| Third Person Singular Present | beavers away at |
| Present Participle | beavering away at |
| Simple Past | beavered away at |
| Past Participle | beavered away at |
Example
She beavers away at her studies every night.
Example
He beavers away at his project for hours.
Example
They are beavering away at their assignments to meet the deadline.
Example
Yesterday, she beavered away at her essay until it was perfect.
Example
He had beavered away at his work all week.
What kind of phrasal verb is “beaver away 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.)
Intransitive verb
“beaver away at” 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
She beavered away at her studies.
Example
He beavered away at his project.
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
“beaver away 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 beavered away at her studies.
Example
He beavered away at his project.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “beaver away at”?
Beaver away at something
To work hard on a specific task or project.
Example
He beavered away at his painting until it was a masterpiece.
Beaver away at something for a long time
To work hard on something for an extended period.
Example
She beavered away at her thesis for months before submitting it.
Beaver away at something diligently
To work hard on something with dedication and focus.
Example
They beavered away at their training to become better athletes.
Good things to know
Does “beaver away at” have an informal or formal tone?
Beaver away at is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations. It may not be suitable for formal writing or professional settings. In more formal contexts, consider using synonyms like 'work diligently on' or 'persevere with'.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “beaver away at”?
Synonyms
- work hard
- toil
- labor
- strive
- persevere
- grind
- plod
- slog
Antonyms
- dawdle
- relax
- rest
- laze
- loaf
- idle
- procrastinate
- linger
