What are the definitions of “plough into”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Collide into at speed.
The bus skidded and PLOUGHED INTO the bus stop.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “plough into”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb plough into is to collide into something or someone at a high speed, often causing damage or injury. This can refer to vehicles, people, or objects.
What are the different verb forms of “plough into”?
| Root Verb | plough into |
| Third Person Singular Present | ploughs into |
| Present Participle | ploughing into |
| Simple Past | ploughed into |
| Past Participle | ploughed into |
Example
The car lost control and ploughed into the fence.
Example
The truck ploughs into the barrier, causing a loud crash.
Example
The motorcycle is ploughing into the crowd of people.
Example
The train ploughed into the station, causing panic among the passengers.
Example
The vehicle had ploughed into the storefront, leaving a trail of destruction.
What kind of phrasal verb is “plough into”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“plough into” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The car ploughed into the tree.
Example
The cyclist ploughed into the pedestrian.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“plough into” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The car ploughed into the tree.
Example
The cyclist ploughed into the pedestrian.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “plough into”?
Good things to know
Does “plough into” have an informal or formal tone?
Plough into is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday speech or casual writing. In more formal contexts, alternatives such as 'collide with' or 'crash into' may be more appropriate.