plugging

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plugging" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It can be used in various contexts, such as discussing technology, marketing, or even casual conversation about promoting something. Example: "I’ve been plugging my new book on social media to reach a wider audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I also try to limit my plugging to pieces I particularly enjoyed, rather than using my account as an RSS feed for my employer.

The Guardian - Opinion

"As plugging into the national grid becomes increasingly expensive, local energy schemes will become the way to go".

The Guardian

Once upon a distant, Reithian time, public service broadcasting meant never plugging anything explicitly.

The Guardian

For me, that trip to Scotland felt like plugging back in – despite being without internet and phone.

The Guardian

Huntsman is the plucky outsider, plugging away at one state, visiting town after town after town, winning votes literally one handshake at a time.

The Guardian - Opinion

Carly Welsh Reliance on the mobile phone Plugging the mobile phone in overnight to charge was a common practice among the families who discovered, in fact, they don't take all that long to charge.

The Guardian

Of course I am plugging the show, but I do that every time I mention something I've seen on BBC or Sky News more broadly.

The Guardian - Opinion

The slight preference for a Conservative minority administration is somewhat more marked in England – where 44% would prefer it, against 37% who would prefer a Labour/SNP arrangement – which may encourage the Tories to keep plugging away at the theme.

The Guardian

And this week he's plugging the charms of Seb Coe, former Tory MP and present Tory champion in the Lords – a natural successor to Lord Patten, former chairman of the Conservative party.

The Guardian

At least when you go to see a play you can expect to get your fill of the advertised star - movie chiefs on the other hand are notorious for plugging their most famous participant, even if he's only in a single scene.

The Guardian

Related: Biggest NHS trust is failing on safety and quality of care, says watchdog "Plugging the growing black hole in NHS finances must now be an urgent priority for the government.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "plugging" in the context of promoting something, ensure the audience is receptive to the promotion. Overt "plugging" can be off-putting.

Common error

Avoid using "plugging" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "promoting", "advocating", or "filling" depending on the specific meaning.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "plugging" is as a verb, specifically the present participle or gerund form of the verb "plug". It can also function as a noun, referring to the act of stopping with a plug. Ludwig shows its use in various sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "plugging" functions primarily as a verb, signifying actions ranging from physically filling a space to diligently promoting a product or idea. Ludwig AI categorizes it as grammatically correct with a neutral register, common across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While its use is acceptable, avoiding it in highly formal writing is advisable, opting instead for synonyms like "promoting" or "filling". The frequency of "plugging" in reputable sources confirms its integration into standard English vocabulary. The expression "plugging away at" is also a common idiomatic usage that denotes persistent effort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

promoting vigorously

Adds intensity to the act of promotion, mirroring the determined aspect of "plugging" away.

filling

Focuses on the action of occupying a space or gap, rather than the effort or promotion implied by "plugging".

industrious work

Highlights diligent and persistent effort, echoing "plugging" away at a task.

promoting

Emphasizes advertising or advocating for something, removing the sense of persistent effort found in "plugging".

stopping up

Highlights the act of blocking or obstructing, which is one specific sense of "plugging".

diligent effort

Emphasizes the consistency and application to a task, like "plugging" but without the physicality.

advertising

Specifically relates to making something publicly known, differing from the broader applications of "plugging".

sealing

Implies closing something securely, similar to "plugging" in the context of stopping leaks.

repairing

Focuses on fixing something, close to the sense of "plugging" gaps or holes.

hard work

General term for sustained effort, more generic than the specific connotations of "plugging".

FAQs

How can I use "plugging" in a sentence?

"Plugging" can describe physically filling something, like "plugging a hole", or figuratively, like "plugging a product" on social media.

What are some alternatives to the word "plugging"?

Depending on the context, you can use words like "promoting", "filling", "repairing", or "advertising" instead of "plugging".

Is it correct to say "plugging away at" something?

Yes, "plugging away at" something is an idiomatic expression that means working persistently and diligently on something, even when it's difficult.

When is it appropriate to use "plugging" in writing?

"Plugging" is appropriate in various contexts, including informal conversations, news articles, and technical manuals. However, avoid using it in highly formal or academic writing, where more sophisticated synonyms may be preferred.