1 B2 idiomatic neutral
To continue steadily with a difficult or laborious task despite obstacles or fatigue.
"It was a dull report, but she ploughed on until she finished it."
inseparable
plough on
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To continue doing something difficult, tedious, or exhausting without stopping.
In plain English
To keep going with something hard or boring without giving up.
What does "plough on" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
For a plough to keep moving forward through the soil.
Actually means
To keep going with something hard or boring without giving up.
Usage tip
Chiefly British English. Implies slow, effortful progress rather than enthusiastic continuation. Often used for reading, working, or traveling through difficulties.
Words that pair with "plough on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
despite regardless work report reading journey
How to conjugate "plough on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
plough on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
ploughs on
he/she/it
Past simple
ploughed on
yesterday
Past participle
ploughed on
have + pp
-ing form
ploughing on
continuous
Hear "plough on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "plough on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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