What are the definitions of “chip away”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Gradually reduce or weaken.
Her comments were beginning to chip away at his self-confidence.
- 2Gradually make progress or reduce something.
She was chipping away at the ground with a trowel.
- 3Gradually reduce or diminish.
The company’s dominance of the market is gradually being chipped away.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “chip away”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb chip away is to gradually reduce, weaken, or make progress on something. It can be used to describe the process of slowly breaking down a physical object or a more abstract concept, such as someone's self-confidence or a company's market share.
What are the different verb forms of “chip away”?
| Root Verb | chip away |
| Third Person Singular Present | chips away |
| Present Participle | chipping away |
| Simple Past | chipped away |
| Past Participle | chipped away |
Example
She started to chip away at the ice on the windshield.
Example
He chips away at the stone to create a sculpture.
Example
They are chipping away at the old paint on the walls.
Example
She chipped away at the problem until she found a solution.
Example
The water had chipped away at the rocks over time.
What kind of phrasal verb is “chip away”?
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
“chip away” 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
The rain chipped away at the soil.
Example
The wind chipped away at the sandstone cliffs.
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
“chip away” 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 rain chipped away at the soil.
Example
The wind chipped away at the sandstone cliffs.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “chip away”?
Chip away at something
Gradually reduce or weaken something, often through persistent effort.
Example
He chipped away at the debt by making small payments each month.
Chip away at someone's confidence
Gradually undermine someone's self-confidence or self-esteem.
Example
The constant criticism chipped away at her self-esteem.
Chip away at a task
Gradually make progress on a task or project.
Example
She chipped away at the report, completing a few pages each day.
Good things to know
Does “chip away” have an informal or formal tone?
Chip away is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
