Phrasal verb
hammer away
Definition
phrasal verb. to work very hard and continuously at a task for a long time. You use this when someone is putting in a lot of effort to finish something difficult.
phrasal verb. To work persistently and energetically at a task. Intransitive; frequently collocates with the preposition 'at' to specify the activity or project.
Examples
“He is hammering away at his report to finish it on time.”
“Even though the math problem was difficult, she kept hammering away at it until she finally found the correct answer.”
“The investigative journalists continued to hammer away at the corruption scandal, despite facing significant pressure from the administration to cease their inquiries.”
Examples
simple
“He is hammering away at his report to finish it on time.”
contextual
“Even though the math problem was difficult, she kept hammering away at it until she finally found the correct answer.”
complex
“The investigative journalists continued to hammer away at the corruption scandal, despite facing significant pressure from the administration to cease their inquiries.”
Usage
Usually followed by the preposition 'at' when you mention the specific task or project.
Teaching tip
Use the physical image of a hammer hitting a nail repeatedly to anchor the concept of repetitive, persistent effort.
Pitfall
He is hammering away his project.
He is hammering away at his project.
The phrasal verb is intransitive and requires the preposition 'at' to introduce the object of the work.
Phrasal verb
Particles
away
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
hammer + away + at + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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