What are the definitions of “plow through”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Eat a big meal.
We PLOWED THROUGH all eight courses.
- 2Read something that is difficult or takes a lot of time.
It takes me ages to PLOW THROUGH any of Henry James' novels.
- 3Move through somewhere where there is little space or there are obstacles.
The police car had to PLOW THROUGH the crowd.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “plow through”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb plow through is to work through something difficult or time-consuming, such as reading a long book or completing a challenging task. It can also mean to eat a large meal quickly.
What are the different verb forms of “plow through”?
| Root Verb | plow through |
| Third Person Singular Present | plows through |
| Present Participle | plowing through |
| Simple Past | plowed through |
| Past Participle | plowed through |
Example
She plowed through the difficult book in just a week.
Example
He plows through his homework every night.
Example
They are plowing through the huge meal at the restaurant.
Example
Yesterday, she plowed through all her chores.
Example
He had plowed through the entire series of books in a month.
What kind of phrasal verb is “plow through”?
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
“plow through” 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
She plowed through the difficult book.
Example
He plowed through the large meal.
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
“plow through” 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
She plowed through the difficult book.
Example
He plowed through the large meal.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “plow through”?
Good things to know
Does “plow through” have an informal or formal tone?
Plow through is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. In more formal settings, alternative phrases such as 'work through,' 'read quickly,' or 'move through' may be more appropriate.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “plow through”?
Synonyms
- work through
- read quickly
- eat quickly
- move through
- push through
- power through
- forge ahead
Antonyms
- stall
- delay
- procrastinate
- linger
- dawdle
- hesitate
- take one's time
