What are the definitions of “scrape together”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Manage to collect enough of something you need, usually money.
I had to search my flat for money to SCRAPE TOGETHER what I needed.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “scrape together”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb scrape together is to manage to collect enough of something you need, usually money. It often implies that the process is difficult or that the amount collected is barely sufficient.
What are the different verb forms of “scrape together”?
| Root Verb | scrape together |
| Third Person Singular Present | scrapes together |
| Present Participle | scraping together |
| Simple Past | scraped together |
| Past Participle | scraped together |
Example
I need to scrape together enough money for rent this month.
Example
She scrapes together her savings to buy a new laptop.
Example
He is scraping together all the coins he can find to pay for the bus fare.
Example
They scraped together enough funds to start their small business.
Example
The community scraped together donations to help the family in need.
What kind of phrasal verb is “scrape together”?
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.)
Transitive verb
“scrape together” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
We scraped together enough money for the trip.
Example
She scraped together some food for dinner.
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 together” 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
We scraped together enough money for the trip.
Example
She scraped together some food for dinner.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “scrape together”?
Scrape together a living
To barely earn enough money to survive or meet basic needs.
Example
He works multiple jobs just to scrape together a living for his family.
Scrape together resources
To gather or collect resources, often in a difficult situation or with limited availability.
Example
The team scraped together resources to finish the project on time.
Scrape together support
To gather support or backing, often with difficulty or from various sources.
Example
The politician scraped together support from different groups to win the election.
Good things to know
Does “scrape together” have an informal or formal tone?
Scrape together is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. In more formal settings, alternative phrases such as 'gather,' 'collect,' or 'accumulate' may be more appropriate.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “scrape together”?
Synonyms
- collect
- amass
- accumulate
- assemble
- gather
- muster
- pool
- rally
Antonyms
- disperse
- distribute
- dissipate
- divide
- scatter
- separate
- spend
- waste
