To cause someone ongoing worry, guilt, or doubt that gradually becomes harder to ignore.
Example
A: Why did you suddenly quit your course?
B: I kept thinking I was wasting my time, and it was really eating away at me.
Tell it apart
Same verb · different particle
“eat” phrasal verbs
Same verb, different particle, different meaning. Learn these 3 one at a time, then test yourself.
3 phrasal verbslisten & quiz
To have a meal at a restaurant or café instead of at home.
Example
A: I don't feel like cooking tonight.
B: Let's eat out instead!
Tell it apart
We eat out on Fridays.
We get a takeaway on Fridays.
To use a large amount of time or space that you wanted to have available.
Example
A: Why haven't you finished the report?
B: The client calls ate up most of the afternoon.
Tell it apart
Fill the gap
Which “eat” fits?
Read the sentence, then pick the phrasal verb that belongs in the gap.
Turn this into speaking practice
Pick one and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.