What are the definitions of “scrape along”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Manage with little money.
I've been SCRAPING ALONG on temporary work since I lost my job.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “scrape along”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb scrape along is to manage with little money or resources. It is often used to describe a situation where someone is struggling financially and trying to make ends meet.
What are the different verb forms of “scrape along”?
| Root Verb | scrape along |
| Third Person Singular Present | scrapes along |
| Present Participle | scraping along |
| Simple Past | scraped along |
| Past Participle | scraped along |
Example
They are trying to scrape along with their limited income.
Example
She scrapes along by working multiple part-time jobs.
Example
He is scraping along while looking for a better job.
Example
They scraped along during the economic crisis.
Example
She had scraped along for years before finding a stable job.
What kind of phrasal verb is “scrape along”?
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 along” 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
They scraped along during the recession.
Example
He scraped along while searching for a better job.
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 along” 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 scraped along during the recession.
Example
He scraped along while searching for a better job.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “scrape along”?
Scrape by
To manage to survive or to do just enough to succeed.
Example
He scraped by with the minimum passing grade in the class.
Scrape together
To gather or collect something, usually with difficulty.
Example
She scraped together enough money to pay the rent.
Scrape up
To gather or collect something, usually with difficulty.
Example
They scraped up enough food for the party.
Good things to know
Does “scrape along” have an informal or formal tone?
Scrape along 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, alternatives such as 'manage with limited resources' or 'struggle financially' can be used.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “scrape along”?
Synonyms
- struggle
- get by
- manage
- survive
- make do
- make ends meet
- eke out
Antonyms
- advance
- thrive
- prosper
- succeed
- flourish
- grow
- progress
