Phrasal verb
plough through
Definition
phrasal verb. to finish something long or difficult by working hard at it. You use this when a task, like a big book or a lot of paperwork, feels like a lot of effort.
phrasal verb. To complete a substantial or tedious task with sustained effort. The verb is transitive and inseparable, typically taking a large volume of information or work as its object.
Examples
“I have to plough through these reports before the meeting starts.”
“She spent all Sunday afternoon ploughing through her history textbook to prepare for the final exam.”
“The legal team had to plough through thousands of archived documents to identify the specific clause that would win the case.”
Examples
simple
“I have to plough through these reports before the meeting starts.”
contextual
“She spent all Sunday afternoon ploughing through her history textbook to prepare for the final exam.”
complex
“The legal team had to plough through thousands of archived documents to identify the specific clause that would win the case.”
Usage
Usually followed by a noun representing a large amount of reading, writing, or data.
Teaching tip
Use the image of a farmer moving a heavy plough through thick soil to help students visualize the effort and slow progress involved.
Pitfall
He ploughed the long book through.
He ploughed through the long book.
The phrasal verb is inseparable, so the object cannot come between the verb and the particle.
Phrasal verb
Particles
through
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
plough + through + 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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