How Do You Spell PLOUGH?

Pronunciation: [plˈa͡ʊ] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "plough" is often confusing for English learners. The reason for this is the silent letters found in the word. Phonetically, "plough" is transcribed as /plaʊ/. The "ou" combination in the middle of the word can be pronounced like "ow" as in "cow," or like "oh" as in "boat." However, both the "o" and "gh" in "plough" are silent, making it pronounced like "plau." Despite its tricky spelling, "plough" remains an important word in farming and agriculture.

PLOUGH Meaning and Definition

  1. A plough, also spelled "plow," is a farming tool or implement primarily used for tilling or turning over soil in the preparation of fields for planting crops. It is typically made up of a long beam or pole, known as a ploughshare, with one or more blades or metal plates attached to it. These blades are called ploughshares or plowshares and are responsible for cutting into the soil during the ploughing process.

    The plough is usually pulled by a draft animal, such as a horse or ox, although in modern times, tractors are often used for this purpose. As the plough is pulled forward, the ploughshare digs into the earth and slices through the soil, breaking it up and turning it over. This process helps to aerate and loosen the soil, removing weeds and clods of dirt, creating a favorable environment for planting crops.

    The design and construction of ploughs have evolved over time, with countless variations and adaptations tailored to different farming practices, environments, and crop types. Ploughs can vary in size, complexity, and materials used, but they all serve the common purpose of preparing the soil for cultivation.

    The term "plough" can also be used more metaphorically to refer to any process or activity that involves diligent and thorough efforts, akin to "ploughing through" a task or problem.

  2. • The instrument drawn by horses or oxen for turning up the soil of a field; tillage; a bookbinder's tool for cutting the edges of books.
    • To turn up the earth in a field with a plough; to furrow; to run through, as the sea in sailing; to cut or groove with a bookbinder's tool of the same name; in Scrip., to labour in a calling.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for PLOUGH

Etymology of PLOUGH

The word "plough" is derived from Old English "plog", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "pluggō" or "plōkō". This Proto-Germanic term is further derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "pleu", meaning "to flow" or "to plow". The initial meaning of the word "plough" referred to a tool used for turning over the soil, which later developed into the modern agricultural implement we know as a plough today.

Idioms with the word PLOUGH

  • put (one's) hand to the plough The idiom "put (one's) hand to the plough" means to commit oneself fully to a task or endeavor, especially in the face of difficulties or challenges. It implies a willingness to work hard and persist despite obstacles, much like the literal act of guiding a plough through a field.
  • put your hand to the plough The idiom "put your hand to the plough" means to commit oneself to a task or endeavor with determination and full dedication. It originates from the biblical reference in Luke 9:62, stating that once someone starts plowing a field, they should not look back or abandon their responsibility. Therefore, the expression emphasizes the importance of perseverance and focus when undertaking a task, urging one to stay committed and avoid distractions or doubts.
  • plough a lone(ly) furrow The idiom "plough a lone(ly) furrow" means to pursue or follow one's own path or approach, often independent of others or against the prevailing opinions or practices. It refers to someone who chooses to work or operate independently and does not conform to the norms or expectations of a group or society.
  • plough a lone/lonely furrow The idiom "plough a lone/lonely furrow" means to pursue one's own path or to work independently, often implying a sense of isolation or going against the prevailing opinion or trend. It refers to an individual who chooses to follow their own ideas or beliefs, regardless of the consensus or support from others. The metaphor of ploughing a furrow alludes to the act of cultivating a field independently, without the assistance or collaboration of others.
  • plough a lonely (or your own) furrow The idiom "plough a lonely (or your own) furrow" means to pursue one's own path or course of action independently, without seeking assistance or conforming to the expectations of others. It refers to someone who is determined to follow their own ideas or beliefs, even if it means going against the prevailing opinion or taking a solitary approach.
  • plough a lone furrow The idiom "plough a lone furrow" means to work independently or pursue one's own path or goals, often disregarding or not seeking the assistance or approval of others. It refers to someone who prefers to work alone or go against the mainstream, taking their own approach or making their own decisions without relying on the input or support of others.
  • plough a lonely, your own, etc. furrow The idiom "plough a lonely, your own, etc. furrow" means to pursue a distinct or unconventional path or approach, often in isolation or against the mainstream, without seeking assistance or support from others. It implies the act of forging one's own way, independently and determinedly, despite the challenges or lack of recognition from others. It reflects the idea of being self-reliant and resolute in pursuing one's goals or ideals, even if it means deviating from the norm or facing opposition.
  • plough a lonely furrow The idiom "plough a lonely furrow" means to pursue one's own path or course of action independently, often in isolation or without support from others. It describes someone who works or achieves something on their own, regardless of any opposition or lack of assistance from others.

Similar spelling words for PLOUGH

Plural form of PLOUGH is PLOUGHS

Conjugate verb Plough

CONDITIONAL

I would plough
you would plough
he/she/it would plough
we would plough
they would plough

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be ploughing
you would be ploughing
he/she/it would be ploughing
we would be ploughing
they would be ploughing

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have plough
you would have plough
he/she/it would have plough
we would have plough
they would have plough

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been ploughing
you would have been ploughing
he/she/it would have been ploughing
we would have been ploughing
they would have been ploughing

FUTURE

I will plough
you will plough
he/she/it will plough
we will plough
they will plough

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be ploughing
you will be ploughing
he/she/it will be ploughing
we will be ploughing
they will be ploughing

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have ploughed
you will have ploughed
he/she/it will have ploughed
we will have ploughed
they will have ploughed

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been ploughing
you will have been ploughing
he/she/it will have been ploughing
we will have been ploughing
they will have been ploughing

IMPERATIVE

you plough
we let´s plough

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to plough

PAST

I ploughed
you ploughed
he/she/it ploughed
we ploughed
they ploughed

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was ploughing
you were ploughing
he/she/it was ploughing
we were ploughing
they were ploughing

PAST PARTICIPLE

ploughed

PAST PERFECT

I had ploughed
you had ploughed
he/she/it had ploughed
we had ploughed
they had ploughed

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been ploughing
you had been ploughing
he/she/it had been ploughing
we had been ploughing
they had been ploughing

PRESENT

I plough
you plough
he/she/it ploughs
we plough
they plough

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am ploughing
you are ploughing
he/she/it is ploughing
we are ploughing
they are ploughing

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

ploughing

PRESENT PERFECT

I have ploughed
you have ploughed
he/she/it has ploughed
we have ploughed
they have ploughed

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been ploughing
you have been ploughing
he/she/it has been ploughing
we have been ploughing
they have been ploughing
I would have ploughed
we would have ploughed
you would have ploughed
he/she/it would have ploughed
they would have ploughed

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: