plugging away

USAGE SUMMARY

"plugging away" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe someone working hard and persevering despite challenges. For example, "He has been plugging away at the project for weeks and is determined to see it through to the end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Keep plugging away.

The New York Times - Sports

"I will keep plugging away.

Independent

What kept you plugging away?

The New York Times - Magazine

We will keep plugging away".

The New York Times - Sports

They keep plugging away.

The Guardian - Sport

"But we're still plugging away.

The New Yorker

So we kept plugging away and plugging away".

The New York Times - Sports

Still, Newcastle kept plugging away.

The Guardian - Sport

So she'll keep plugging away.

The New York Times

We'll just keep plugging away.

The Guardian - Sport

Still, they are plugging away together.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "plugging away" with adverbs or adjectives to add nuance, such as "steadily plugging away" or "determinedly plugging away", to enhance the descriptive power.

Common error

The phrase "plugging away" is best suited for long-term endeavors requiring sustained effort. Avoid using it to describe tasks that are quick or easily completed, as it can sound exaggerated or inappropriate. For short bursts of energy, use phrases like "working hard" or "giving it my all" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plugging away" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase to describe the act of working persistently and diligently, often in the face of challenges. Ludwig AI examples show it's used to convey ongoing effort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "plugging away" is a common and correct idiomatic expression used to describe persistent and diligent effort, often in the face of challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it serves to emphasize perseverance. While generally neutral in register, it leans towards informal, making it suitable for a variety of writing styles but less ideal for highly formal contexts. For those seeking alternatives, phrases like "persisting" or "persevering" offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persevering steadfastly

Emphasizes unwavering commitment and endurance.

keeping at it persistently

Emphasizes maintaining consistent effort over time.

laboring persistently

Highlights the sustained effort and hard work involved.

tenaciously working

Focuses on the strength and determination involved in the work.

persisting tirelessly

Highlights the continuous and unrelenting nature of the effort.

staying the course determinedly

Highlights maintaining direction and resolve.

pressing on relentlessly

Stresses the continuous and forceful nature of the pursuit.

doggedly pursuing

Implies a tenacious and unwavering approach to a goal.

toiling ceaselessly

Focuses on the continuous and often arduous nature of the work.

battling on valiantly

Implies facing significant challenges with courage.

FAQs

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

You can use "plugging away" to describe someone who is working persistently and diligently on a task or project, such as, "Despite the setbacks, she kept plugging away until she achieved her goal".

What does it mean to keep "plugging away"?

Keeping "plugging away" means to continue working hard and persistently on something, even when facing challenges or difficulties. It implies a steady and determined effort over time.

What can I say instead of "plugging away"?

You can use alternatives like "persisting", "persevering", or "keeping at it" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "plugging away" in formal writing?

While "plugging away" is widely understood, it's generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider using more professional alternatives like "persevering" or "maintaining effort" to convey a similar meaning.