plow - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
plow Word Meanings
- to turn over the soil in preparation for planting crops
- a tool used for turning soil
- to move forward forcefully and with purpose
plow Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
plow Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/plaʊ/
US
/plaʊ/
plow Word Etymology
plow = plough + -ow (noun suffix) → Old English 'plōh' → Middle English 'plouh' → Modern English 'plow'. Imagine a farmer guiding a plow across the field, furrowing the earth to prepare it for seeds; it resembles a tool that carves out pathways for life.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Plow is both a noun and a verb describing farming tools and actions. It refers to the implement used to turn over soil in preparation for planting crops, and as a verb it can mean to cultivate or to move forward with strong, purposeful effort, sometimes metaphorically. In modern farming, plows can be made of metal or wood and are pulled by animals or tractors. The term also appears in phrases like plow ahead or plow through, conveying perseverance. The spelling plow is American; plough is the British variant. Learning includes understanding field-specific uses as well as common figurative expressions.
Usage Reminders
- Use as a noun or a verb
- Remember the American spelling plow vs the British plough
- Common phrasal verbs: plow ahead, plow through
- Past tense: plowed (American) or ploughed (British)
- Noun forms include plow, plowshare, and plowing (gerund/present participle)
- Avoid mixing with unrelated senses like 'to plow a snowman' in literal contexts
Common Misconceptions
- Plow is only for old-fashioned farming.
- The word only refers to the physical tool, never a field action.
- Plow and plough are interchangeable in all contexts.
- Plow always means moving soil strictly—it cannot be used metaphorically.
- Once you learn plow, you know all idioms related to it.
Thinking Differences
English speakers often separate plow as a concrete tool from its verb sense; learners should note the flexible metaphor (plow ahead) and the British vs American spellings.
Learning Tips
- Visualize a farmer guiding the plow across a field
- Create mini sentences using both noun and verb senses
- Practice the idioms plow ahead and plow through
- Note the past tense plowed vs ploughed
- Compare American vs British spellings in your notes
- Use authentic farming videos to hear pronunciation
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'plow'?
A.Animal shelter
B.Agricultural machine
C.Fishing tool
D.Medical device
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'plow' used correctly?
A.The farmer used a plow to till the field.
B.She decided to plow the book for hours.
C.Plow is made of gold and silver.
D.Let's plow to catch some fish.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is similar to 'plow'?
A.Harvest
B.Build
C.Sow
D.Destroy
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'plow'?
A.Plant
B.Abandon
C.Save
D.Construct
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would you see a 'plow' being used?
A.Baking cookies
B.Fishing in a river
C.Taking a photoshoot
D.Preparing a garden for planting
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