eat through

USAGE SUMMARY

"eat through" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can refer to both a literal and figurative action. Literal meaning: When something "eats through" something else, it means that it is able to physically penetrate or break through it by consuming it. For example: - The acid was strong enough to eat through the metal. - The caterpillar ate through the leaf and left behind a hole. Figurative meaning: When something "eats through" something else, it means that it is able to overcome or destroy it gradually or persistently. For example: - The stress was eating through her, causing her to lose sleep. - The financial crisis slowly ate through the company's profits. Overall, "eat through" can be used in any context where there is a gradual or persistent consumption or penetration of something.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And even if you're not required to foot the bill, the rising expenses can easily eat through your potential inheritance.

Forbes

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

WikiHow

And mice can eat through electricity cables".

The New York Times

Projects to stop erosion eat through dollars almost as quickly.

The Guardian - Travel

There are no more fat years to eat through.

The New York Times

That caustic shit could eat through it like hydrochloric acid.

The New Yorker

That much urea can eat through bark and kill a small plant in a week.

The New York Times

They aren't interested in the canvas, but they eat through the canvas to get the glue".

The New Yorker

Moreover, winter frosts sometimes eat through the asphalt, creating large and dangerous holes.

The New York Times

Watching sharks eat through your snorkeling goggles is also something to relate to the world.

The New York Times - Travel

They love electrical wiring; when they eat through wires, they can put large appliances out of action.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the effect of a corrosive substance, use "eat through" to vividly convey its destructive power.

Common error

Avoid using "eat through" literally when a less dramatic verb like "consume" or "use" would be more appropriate, especially in formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "eat through" functions primarily to describe a process of gradual consumption or penetration. Ludwig provides examples where it depicts physical erosion (acid eating through metal) or depletion of resources (expenses eating through savings).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "eat through" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the gradual consumption, penetration, or depletion of something. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it can be used both literally (e.g., corrosive substances) and figuratively (e.g., financial burdens). The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, as well as in wiki and science-related content. When writing, it's best to use "eat through" to vividly describe destructive processes. Be aware of the connotations and avoid using it in place of simpler verbs where its dramatic effect is unnecessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

corrode

Focuses specifically on chemical or gradual erosion, often implying damage or deterioration.

consume

Emphasizes the act of using something up, whether physically or metaphorically.

deplete

Highlights the reduction or exhaustion of resources, such as finances or energy.

erode

Refers to gradual wearing away or destruction, often by natural forces.

sap

Suggests gradually weakening or draining something of its strength or resources.

penetrate

Focuses on the act of entering or passing through something.

devour

Implies rapid and complete consumption, often with enthusiasm.

perforate

Describes the act of making holes through something.

dissolve

Specifically indicates breaking down into a liquid or disappearing gradually.

gouge

Implies cutting or scooping out something forcefully.

FAQs

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

You can use "eat through" to describe something that corrodes or penetrates a material (e.g., "Acid can eat through metal") or something that depletes a resource (e.g., "Medical bills can eat through your savings").

What is a synonym for "eat through"?

Depending on the context, you could use "corrode", "deplete", or "consume" as alternatives to "eat through".

Is it correct to say "eaten through"?

Yes, "eaten through" is the past participle form of the phrasal verb, often used in perfect tenses (e.g., "The termites had eaten through the wood").

What's the difference between "eat through" and "wear down"?

"Eat through" often implies a more rapid or corrosive action, while "wear down" suggests a slower, gradual process of erosion or weakening.