What are the definitions of “scrape into”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Be accepted somewhere, but only just.
She got mediocre grades and just SCRAPED INTO university.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “scrape into”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb scrape into is to barely achieve something or be accepted somewhere, usually by a very small margin. It often implies that the person or thing has just met the minimum requirements or barely succeeded.
What are the different verb forms of “scrape into”?
| Root Verb | scrape into |
| Third Person Singular Present | scrapes into |
| Present Participle | scraping into |
| Simple Past | scraped into |
| Past Participle | scraped into |
Example
He scraped into the team with the minimum required score.
Example
She scrapes into the last spot on the team.
Example
He is scraping into the final round of the competition.
Example
They scraped into the playoffs by winning their last game.
Example
She had scraped into the university with mediocre grades.
What kind of phrasal verb is “scrape into”?
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 into” 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 scraped into the university with mediocre grades.
Example
He scraped into the team with the minimum required score.
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 into” 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 scraped into the university with mediocre grades.
Example
He scraped into the team with the minimum required score.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “scrape into”?
Scrape by
To manage to live or survive with difficulty, usually due to a lack of resources or money.
Example
He's been scraping by on a tight budget since he lost his job.
Scrape together
To gather or collect something, usually with difficulty or by making a great effort.
Example
She scraped together enough money to buy a small gift for her friend.
Scrape up
To gather or collect something from a surface, usually with a tool or utensil.
Example
He scraped up the last bits of food from his plate.
Good things to know
Does “scrape into” have an informal or formal tone?
Scrape into 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, depending on the specific context.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “scrape into”?
Synonyms
- barely make it
- just manage
- squeak by
- narrowly achieve
- edge in
Antonyms
- easily achieve
- succeed comfortably
- exceed expectations
- surpass requirements
