hammering away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hammering away" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is working diligently or persistently on a task or project. Example: "She has been hammering away at her thesis for weeks, determined to finish it on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Udall's supporters are still hammering away.

The New Yorker

Companies need to keep hammering away at the simplicity mantra.

The Economist

They deserve credit for the way they kept hammering away.

Independent

Republicans have been hammering away at the stimulus.

The New York Times

"I've been hammering away at this for decades.

The New York Times

He is hammering away again at affordability, education and jobs.

The New York Times

The Washington Post in particular has been hammering away.

The Economist

You need to be constantly hammering away at the problem".

The New York Times

Stone had been hammering away at them for years.

The New York Times - Books

By late afternoon, the three-person defense team was hammering away at the prosecution.

The New York Times

"Here, everybody thinks they have a billion-dollar idea, and they're hammering away.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hammering away" to describe continuous and forceful efforts, especially when emphasizing persistence in the face of resistance or difficulty. For example, "The team kept hammering away at the problem until they found a solution".

Common error

Avoid using "hammering away" when a more nuanced or gentle approach is implied. The phrase suggests forceful, repetitive action and may not be appropriate for situations requiring subtlety.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "hammering away" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating continuous and forceful effort. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, as demonstrated in the examples provided, showing actions performed with persistence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hammering away" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrasal verb that describes persistent, forceful effort. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in News & Media, it conveys a sense of determination and continuous action. While it's generally neutral in register, it's essential to consider the forceful connotation when choosing the right phrase. For alternatives, consider options like "persisting" or "plugging away". Overall, "hammering away" is a valuable expression to describe relentless pursuit and consistent effort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plugging away

Implies consistent but perhaps less intense effort over a longer period.

relentlessly pursuing

Emphasizes the lack of respite in the pursuit, adding a sense of urgency.

persisting

Focuses on continuing despite difficulty, omitting the active and forceful implication.

doggedly pursuing

Emphasizes determination and relentless chase of a goal.

tenaciously persevering

Stresses the firmness of resolve and the act of enduring despite setbacks.

working tirelessly

Highlights relentless work without specific focus on repetition or impact.

steadfastly working

Conveys a sense of unwavering dedication but lacks the active impact of "hammering".

laboring relentlessly

Highlights hard work and endurance, but lacks the image of repeated forceful action.

continuously striving

Focuses on the ongoing effort to achieve something, omitting the repetitive nature.

diligently applying oneself

Highlights dedicated application but lacks the forceful and repetitive imagery.

FAQs

How can I use "hammering away" in a sentence?

You can use "hammering away" to describe persistent and forceful effort. For example, "The lawyer was hammering away at the witness during the cross-examination".

What can I say instead of "hammering away"?

You can use alternatives like "persisting", "plugging away", or "working tirelessly" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say someone is "hammering away on" something?

Yes, it is correct. The preposition "at" or "on" can be used. For example: "She was hammering away at her keyboard", or "She was hammering away on her keyboard".

What is the difference between "hammering away" and "chipping away"?

"Hammering away" implies forceful, repetitive action, while "chipping away" suggests a more gradual, piece-by-piece approach. Choose "hammering away" when the effort is intense and persistent, and "chipping away" when the progress is slow and incremental.