What are the definitions of “plug away”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To work persistently and diligently.
But I think it will if we work hard, keep plugging away and train hard.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “plug away”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb plug away is to work persistently and diligently on a task or goal. It means to keep trying and not give up, even when the work is difficult or takes a long time.
What are the different verb forms of “plug away”?
| Root Verb | plug away |
| Third Person Singular Present | plugs away |
| Present Participle | plugging away |
| Simple Past | plugged away |
| Past Participle | plugged away |
Example
She continues to plug away at her studies, even when it's challenging.
Example
He plugs away at his job, hoping for a promotion.
Example
They are plugging away at their project, determined to finish it on time.
Example
She plugged away at her homework until it was completed.
Example
He had plugged away at his goal for years before finally achieving it.
What kind of phrasal verb is “plug away”?
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.)
Intransitive verb
“plug away” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
She plugged away at her studies.
Example
He plugged away at his job.
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
“plug away” 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 plugged away at her studies.
Example
He plugged away at his job.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “plug away”?
Plug away at something
To work persistently and diligently on a specific task or goal.
Example
He plugged away at his novel, writing a little bit every day.
Good things to know
Does “plug away” have an informal or formal tone?
Plug away is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in both casual and more formal settings, depending on the context. However, in very formal situations, it might be more appropriate to use synonyms like 'persevere' or 'work diligently'.
