Preposition 'at'

Question

IF I am not mistaken, the 'at' below means 'gradually and repeatedly'.

1. She is picking at her dinner.

2. Woodworm has eaten away at the door frame.

3. My kid is nibbling at some cake.

'As' has this kind of sense, right?

Thanks for your advice.

Mr Wordy · Accepted Answer

Yes, in these sentences "at" signifies a repeated action that has a gradual effect.

Anonymous'As' has this kind of sense, right?

You meant "At" not "As", right?

Mister Micawber · Answer

Help me. Mr W-- I cannot see that 'at' = gradually, repeatedly. These all seem quite different cases to me.

1. She is picking at her dinner.-- Here, 'at' is required. 'Pick at' (an idiom) = 'to eat sparingly or daintily: As he was ill, he only picked at his food.'

2. Woodworm has eaten away at the door frame.-- Here, 'at' is not required, but the meaning changes: 'has eaten away the door' means the door is gone, while 'has eaten away at the door' means the door is going. 'Eaten away' seems to mean 'eaten gradually/repeatedly' (ergo 'away' = 'gradually') while 'at' indicates non-completion (?)

3. My kid is nibbling at some cake.-- Again, 'at' is not required... and I really don't see much difference between 'nibbling some cake' and 'nibbling at some cake'. If anything, it seems to be a variation on 'pick away': 'nibbling sparingly/daintily'-- but then 'nibbling' itself carries much of that meaning:

'nibble' = 'to bite, eat, or chew gently and in small amounts (usually fol. by at ): She was so upset she could only nibble at her food.'

And again 'at' seems to suggest non-completion?

Mr Wordy · Answer

Mister MicawberAnd again 'at' seems to suggest non-completion?

Yes, I think you're right that non-completion is also usually implied. A repeated action that has a gradual effect that is not completed.

Preposition 'at'

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