The word "ploughing through" is spelled with two "g"s because it comes from the base word "plough," which is spelled this way in British English. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /plɑːʊɪŋ/ through. The "ough" combination in "plough" and "through" is pronounced differently in each word, which can cause confusion for English learners. However, with practice, the spelling and pronunciation of these words can become second nature. "Ploughing through" is a common idiom meaning to persistently work through a difficult task.
Ploughing through refers to the act of progressing laboriously or diligently through a task, obstacle, or a large volume of work. It is an idiomatic expression derived from the agricultural practice of ploughing, where a farmer tills the soil in order to prepare it for planting crops.
In a figurative sense, ploughing through implies a dedicated and determined effort to overcome challenges or accomplish a task. It often suggests that the task at hand is difficult, time-consuming, or tedious. When someone is "ploughing through," they are diligently working through a considerable amount of work or a challenging situation, persevering despite potential setbacks or obstacles.
The expression can commonly be used in professional or academic contexts where individuals are pushing forward to complete assignments, projects, or any substantial workload. It implies a focused and determined approach, highlighting the individual's commitment, resilience, and willingness to exert effort to achieve a desirable outcome.
Furthermore, "ploughing through" can also be used to describe reading or studying intensively, where someone is meticulously going through a large amount of written material or information. It conveys the idea of sorting through the material with thoroughness and dedication to ensure an accurate understanding or completion of the task.
Overall, "ploughing through" encapsulates the notion of persistent, industrious, and unwavering effort, often involving a considerable amount of work or a challenging situation, in order to reach a goal or overcome an obstacle.
The word "ploughing through" is derived from the noun "plough". The term "plough" originated from Old English "plōh", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*plōgaz". This Proto-Germanic term likely originated from the Proto-Indo-European root "*pleu", meaning "to flow, to float".
Over time, "ploughing" developed as the present participle of the verb "plough", referring to the act of breaking and turning the soil with a plough. The phrase "ploughing through" figuratively emerged, indicating the act of progressing or moving through something with determination, often implying overcoming obstacles or completing a task.