ate through

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ate through" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to describe the action of consuming something by eating, but it is not a commonly used expression. Example: "The mouse ate through the wires, causing a power outage."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Like zombies at the apocalypse, we ate through his sensitive side.

Vice

However, it just wasn't as accurate, often fired at the wrong time, or ate through your battery.

TechCrunch

The government said it had found 10 violations at a nuclear plant where an acid leak nearly ate through a six-inch-thick steel reactor cap.

The New York Times

It also escalated demands for social programs like Medicaid and unemployment benefits and "ate through their rainy-day funds," notes Michael Gapen, senior U.S. economist at Barclays Capital.

Huffington Post

College students from Sewanee, Tenn., ate through all the pecan pie one afternoon.

The New York Times - Magazine

I also remember a family of mice that ate through the best tablecloths from my trousseau".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Do not use a cyanoacrylate based adhesive to glue plastic taillights, as it will eventually eat through the plastic.

WikiHow

Revlon has been spending its cash at an alarming pace, he said, eating through $105 million in the last two quarters alone.

The New York Times

At first, the woman was bed-ridden, eating through a tube, and unable to talk.

Science Magazine

The next day at Memorial Sloan-Kettering we discovered the cancer had eaten through a good part of her hip.

The New York Times

Mice can eat through cardboard, certain plastics, and other forms of containers to get at food.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the action of something corrosive destroying a material, consider "ate through" for vividness. For example, "Acid ate through the metal beam."

Common error

While "ate through" can be used metaphorically for consuming resources, avoid using it literally for edible subjects. Instead of saying "He ate through the cake", use "He ate the entire cake" or "He devoured the cake".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ate through" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of consuming something completely or penetrating a substance, often with destructive implications. The examples Ludwig provides illustrate this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ate through" is a verb phrase used to describe the complete consumption, penetration, or depletion of something, often with a destructive connotation. Ludwig indicates the phrase, while acceptable, may benefit from more precise alternatives in certain contexts. Its register is generally neutral, and it's commonly found in news and media sources. The analysis highlights the importance of considering the subject and context to ensure the phrase accurately conveys the intended meaning, suggesting alternative phrases like "gnawed through" or "depleted" depending on the specifics. The analysis of "ate through" also presents practical writing guidance, including avoiding overuse with edible subjects and recommending its use for corrosive actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gnawed through

Specifies a type of eating or wearing away, usually by animals.

chewed through

Similar to "gnawed through", but implies a more forceful action of breaking through by chewing.

consumed entirely

Focuses on the complete consumption of something, emphasizing the end result.

depleted entirely

Emphasizes the reduction of something to nothing through use or consumption.

exhausted completely

Highlights the thorough exhaustion of resources or supplies.

penetrated fully

Focuses on the act of breaking through or entering completely.

worked through

Implies progress or advancement by consuming or dealing with something systematically.

broke through

Focuses on overcoming a barrier or obstacle.

suffered erosion

Highlights the destructive force on surface.

dissolved completely

Describes a process in which something vanishes.

FAQs

How can I use "ate through" in a sentence?

You can use "ate through" to describe the action of consuming something entirely or penetrating a substance. For example, "The acid ate through the metal" or "The company ate through its savings."

What's a more precise alternative to "ate through"?

Alternatives include "gnawed through" (if an animal is the subject), "dissolved" (if referring to a chemical process), or "depleted" (when referring to resources).

Is it correct to say "eat through" instead of "ate through"?

"Eat through" is the infinitive form, while "ate through" is the past tense. Use "ate through" when describing something that has already happened. The phrase is acceptable, although sometimes other options can be more appropriate.

Can "ate through" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "ate through" can be used metaphorically to describe the rapid consumption or depletion of resources, such as "The company ate through its profits quickly". It implies a destructive or exhaustive process.