Performing an Action (At): English Vocabulary List

to physically or verbally attack someone

"He decided to go at him."

"The two competitors began to go at each other with harsh words after the referee made a controversial decision during the final match."

to make an effort to obtain or achieve something, often with a sense of desperation because of being unhappy with one's current situation

"He grasps at straws."

"Feeling overwhelmed by his debt, he began to grasp at any available opportunity to earn extra money."

to eagerly accept an opportunity or offer when it arises

"She jumped at the offer."

"When the dream job was advertised, she knew she had to jump at the chance to apply immediately."

to continue working on a task, project, or goal without giving up

"Keep at your studies diligently."

"If you keep at your studies every day you will eventually see significant improvement in your grades."

to do something in an unserious manner and without dedication

"They play at being artists."

"He doesn't really want to be a musician; he just likes to play at being one."

to guess a value or amount for something

"I put it at fifty."

"Based on the initial evidence, the detective decided to put the suspect's age at around thirty-five years old."

to continue making efforts toward achieving a goal

"Stick at it until you succeed."

"It is important to stick at a difficult task until you have successfully completed it."

to talk to someone without really listening or letting them join the conversation

"He just talks at you."

"During the meeting, the manager tended to talk at his employees rather than engaging in a genuine discussion."

to attempt to improve something

"Work at improving your skills."

"If you want to improve your language skills you need to work at them every single day."

to suddenly move toward someone to threaten them or physically attack them

"The dog did come at me."

"The angry man suddenly came at the security guard without any warning, causing everyone to panic."

to attack or assault someone or something in a violent or aggressive manner

"The dog flew at him."

"Enraged by the intrusion, the wild boar suddenly turned and began to fly at the startled hikers."

to try to say something without directly mentioning it

"What are you driving at?"

"I'm not sure what he was driving at during the meeting yesterday."

to strike or touch something or someone with force or intention

"He hit at the door."

"The frustrated child began to hit at the locked door, hoping to get his parents' attention."

to focus one's attention on something or someone in order to observe or examine them

"Look at the sky."

"The detective decided to look at the evidence again with a fresh perspective."

to cause irritation or annoyance to someone

"He will get at you."

"His constant criticism and undermining remarks were clearly intended to get at her confidence."

to frequently criticize someone about small issues

"Don't pick at me."

"It's unproductive to pick at your colleagues over minor grammatical errors in their reports."

to work toward a specific goal

"We aim at success."

"The company's new marketing strategy is designed to aim at a younger demographic with tailored advertisements."