What are the definitions of “scrape in”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Just get enough to succeed, pass or be accepted.
The government SCRAPED IN with 51 % of the votes cast.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “scrape in”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb scrape in is to barely achieve success, pass a test, or be accepted in a situation. It often implies that the result was not easy or that the person or group involved just managed to reach the minimum requirement.
What are the different verb forms of “scrape in”?
| Root Verb | scrape in |
| Third Person Singular Present | scrapes in |
| Present Participle | scraping in |
| Simple Past | scraped in |
| Past Participle | scraped in |
Example
The student scraped in with a passing grade on the exam.
Example
She scrapes in with just enough votes to win the election.
Example
He is scraping in by working multiple jobs to make ends meet.
Example
They scraped in with the minimum number of points needed to qualify for the tournament.
Example
The team scraped in after a difficult season.
What kind of phrasal verb is “scrape in”?
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 in” 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
He scraped in with just enough money to pay the rent.
Example
She scraped in with the minimum passing grade.
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 in” 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
He scraped in with just enough money to pay the rent.
Example
She scraped in with the minimum passing grade.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “scrape in”?
Scrape by
Manage to live or survive with difficulty, often due to a lack of resources or money.
Example
She's been scraping by on a tight budget since she lost her job.
Scrape together
Collect or gather something, often with difficulty or by making an effort.
Example
He scraped together enough money to buy a small gift for his friend's birthday.
Scrape up
Manage to find or gather something, often with difficulty.
Example
I scraped up some old clothes to donate to the charity drive.
Good things to know
Does “scrape in” have an informal or formal tone?
Scrape in is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, alternative phrases such as 'barely succeed' or 'just manage to pass' may be more appropriate.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “scrape in”?
Synonyms
- barely succeed
- just manage
- squeak by
- narrowly achieve
- eke out
Antonyms
- fail
- fall short
- miss the mark
- not make it
- come up short
