# plough through

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/plough-through
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He ploughed the long book through." but "He ploughed through the long book." — The phrasal verb is inseparable, so the object cannot come between the verb and the particle.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.