slog

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slog" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a long, tiring, and difficult task or journey, often implying a sense of struggle or effort. Example: "After hours of slog through the dense forest, we finally reached the campsite."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

As you shut your Farrow & Ball painted door, I slog on to my next delivery (only 14 to go) at a "media" company round the corner.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Having parents who live in London also confers a huge advantage if you want to work in the arts, media, finance or law, because you can bunk up in the family home while you slog through unpaid internships or further study.

The Guardian - Opinion

The alternative course, and the one he put forward this week, is to slog it out.

The Economist

A minimum-wage worker in São Paulo whose employer does not cover transport costs (an obligation for formal employees) must spend a fifth of his pay to slog to work on a hot, overcrowded bus from the city's distant periphery.But none of this is new.

The Economist

Artists and copywriters now slog for months unpaid.

The Economist

When others are being asked to slog on until 67 and more, public-sector employees cannot swan off at 60. Whatever the pain, this decision must be reversed.

The Economist

This time she does connect cleanly with a slog sweep, but can only pick out Perry in the deep.

The Guardian - Sport

Dan Dickinson, Sports editor, Gothamist, New York: A slog of a match last weekend saw New York edge FC Dallas on a highlight-reel worthy own goal.

The Guardian - Sport

"To be honest," he said of the heavy tome, "it was a bit of a slog.

The Guardian - Books

The idea was hugely popular when he won a competition for the job, and yet in these times... well, it's a slog to get the cash.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Hazell brings up the 100 with a swipe for a single, but a couple of balls later she departs after teeing off, looking to slog-sweep over cow corner but finding the fielder.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slog", consider the specific nuance you want to convey: is it the tedium, the difficulty, or the slow progress? Choose synonyms or related phrases if a different aspect of the effort needs to be emphasized.

Common error

While "slog" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation or very informal writing. More relaxed synonyms might be more appropriate depending on your audience.

Linguistic Context

The word "slog" functions as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it describes the action of moving slowly and laboriously or working persistently despite difficulty. As a noun, it denotes a long, tedious period of work or effort. Ludwig examples show it used in both forms.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

13%

Sport

12%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "slog" functions as both a verb and a noun to describe a tedious and difficult task or journey. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it carries a neutral register. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage, making it a suitable choice when you need to emphasize the enduring effort required in a particular situation. While not incorrect, keep the nuance of "slog" in mind: when the effort isn't monotonous or exceedingly drawn-out other alternatives may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grind away

Focuses more on the repetitive and often tedious nature of the work.

toil

Emphasizes the strenuous and laborious aspect of the work.

plod along

Highlights the slow and persistent progress despite difficulty.

drudge

Conveys a sense of monotonous and unpleasant labor.

labor

A more general term for hard work, often physical.

exert oneself

Focuses on the effort and energy expended.

work one's fingers to the bone

Emphasizes the excessive effort and potential for exhaustion.

hammer away

Suggests persistent and forceful effort.

plug away

Highlights the steady and determined approach to a task.

keep at it

Encourages perseverance and continued effort.

FAQs

How can I use "slog" in a sentence?

You can use "slog" to describe a long, difficult journey or a period of hard work. For example, "It was a real "slog" to get through that project" or "The team had to "slog" through the mud to reach the summit."

What can I say instead of "slog"?

You can use alternatives like "grind", "toil", or "drudge" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "slog" formal or informal?

"Slog" falls somewhere in the middle, but it's best to be careful, better suited for professional and news contexts rather than very casual conversation. Consider your audience and choose a synonym if a more relaxed expression is needed.

What's the difference between "slog" and "struggle"?

"Slog" typically implies a long, arduous, and often monotonous effort, while "struggle" can refer to any kind of difficult or challenging situation, whether short-term or long-term.