# plow on

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/plow-on
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to keep doing something difficult or boring until it is finished. You use this when you want to show someone is determined to continue.

For teachers: to persist with a task or activity in a determined manner, especially despite obstacles, fatigue, or lack of interest. Often used intransitively or with the preposition 'with'.

## Examples

- Even though I was tired, I decided to plow on with my homework.
- Despite the technical glitches during the presentation, the speaker decided to plow on until the end.
- The administration chose to plow on with the controversial reforms, ignoring the widespread protests and the declining support from their own party members.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He plows on the project." but "He plows on with the project." — when followed by an object, the preposition 'with' is usually required.

## Usage notes

- often used with 'with' when followed by a specific task or project.
- Teaching tip: the verb 'plow' refers to a farm tool cutting through heavy soil, which helps students visualize the effort required to move forward.

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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.