plodding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plodding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a slow, heavy, or laborious movement or process, often implying a lack of speed or excitement. Example: "The plodding pace of the meeting made it difficult to stay engaged."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The plodding Somewhere Like You piano chords give him plenty of room for melisma as a pyramid string section does some simple simpering.

The Guardian - Music

The difference is that the Rat Pack's gin-sodden original was plodding, preening, and almost unwatchable, while Soderbergh's remake is an irresistible, effervescent champagne-cocktail of a heist-movie.

The Guardian

Every other triathlete looks like they've been in a race; they're plodding, shuffling through these last three or four kilometres.

The Guardian - Sport

In the runup to the election, barely a day goes by without the residents plodding to their front doors to find yet another faceless political representative asking if they can rely on their vote.

The Guardian

Following a spirited pre-match huddle, Gretna started with a determination that continued throughout, although they were aided by Aberdeen playing at a plodding pace for the most part.

The Guardian - Sport

Unfortunately, the film is determined to make you sit through Power's plodding fictional storyline, based on a historical novel by Samuel Shellabarger, rather than just enjoying 100 minutes of Welles at his finest.

The Guardian - Film

I can swim, if only a plodding breast stroke, and I knew there would be professional divers just out of camera range in case I got into difficulties (if only for insurance purposes).

The Guardian

I always thought his job was like Father Christmas's, plodding along snowy streets delivering items in the freezing cold.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Pilgrims could be riding the rails to Mecca and Medina at 360kph (225mph) as early as next year, rather than plodding along the kingdom's notoriously crash-prone roads.

The Economist

On behalf of both halves of the island, Mr Clerides is plodding ahead with talks with the Union.

The Economist

It is politically stable, without the ethnic tensions that have riven other Caribbean nations.In this section On your marks, get set…oh Knock, knock Booby traps ReprintsJamaica has reasons for its plodding growth of late.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "plodding", ensure the context clearly indicates the slow and laborious nature of the process or movement you're describing. It often carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting a lack of efficiency or excitement.

Common error

Avoid using "plodding" when you simply mean something is slow. "Plodding" implies a lack of energy or enthusiasm, not just a lack of speed. If the slowness is neutral or even positive (e.g., a deliberate, careful approach), choose a different word.

Linguistic Context

The word "plodding" functions primarily as an adjective, describing something that progresses slowly and laboriously. It can also function as a noun, referring to slow, laborious progress. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing examples of both usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "plodding" describes something moving slowly and laboriously, often with negative connotations. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms this usage, with many examples in news and business contexts. While grammatically correct and frequently used, it's important to consider the nuance and potential negative implications when using this word. Choosing more neutral alternatives might be needed in some contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slow-paced

Focuses on the lack of speed, similar to "plodding" but more general.

laborious

Emphasizes the effort required, highlighting the difficulty of the process.

tedious

Highlights the boring and monotonous aspect of slow progress.

leisurely

Suggests a relaxed pace, which can be similar to "plodding" if the situation requires more speed.

snail's pace

A more figurative expression emphasizing extreme slowness.

gradual

Implies a slow and steady development, without necessarily indicating difficulty.

creeping

Suggests a slow, almost imperceptible movement.

lumbering

Describes a heavy and slow movement, often with difficulty.

dragging

Implies something is being pulled along slowly and with effort.

grinding

Suggests a slow and difficult process, often involving friction or resistance.

FAQs

How can I use "plodding" in a sentence?

You can use "plodding" to describe something that moves or progresses slowly and laboriously. For example, "The "plodding pace" of the investigation frustrated the detectives" or "He made a "plodding progress" through the dense forest".

What are some synonyms for "plodding"?

Synonyms for "plodding" include "slow-paced", "laborious", "tedious", "gradual" and "snail's pace". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "plodding" to describe a person?

Yes, "plodding" can be used to describe a person's actions or behavior, implying they are moving or working slowly and without much enthusiasm. For example, "He was known for his "plodding approach" to problem-solving".

What is the difference between "plodding" and "methodical"?

"Plodding" suggests slow and perhaps uninspired progress, while "methodical" implies a systematic and careful approach. While both can involve slowness, "methodical" emphasizes order and precision, whereas "plodding" emphasizes the laboriousness and lack of speed. A methodical approach can be slow but is not necessarily "plodding".