plying

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive

   Working at a job or trade, especially one that requires skill.

   Grammar: Takes an object: 'plying a trade'. Often used in progressive tenses.

   Patterns

   • ply a trade
   • ply a profession
   • be plying a trade

   He has been plying his trade as a carpenter for over twenty years.

   She plies her trade as a translator from her home office.

2. 2verbtransitive or intransitive

   Traveling regularly along a route, especially of boats or buses.

   Grammar: Can be used with an object ('ply a route') or without ('the boat plies between the islands').

   Patterns

   • ply a route
   • ply between places
   • a boat plying the river

   The ferry plies the route between the mainland and the island.

   Small boats were plying up and down the river all day.

3. 3verbtransitive

   Working steadily at something, often offering something repeatedly.

   Grammar: Takes an object: 'ply someone with questions'.

   Patterns

   • ply someone with something
   • ply someone with questions

   The reporters plied the mayor with questions about the new policy.

   She plied him with compliments to get his support.

Word forms

Common combinations

plying a trade

After moving to the city, he began plying his trade as a tailor.

plying a route

The bus company is plying a new route to the airport.

plying someone with questions

The students plied the guest speaker with questions.

plying between

The ferry is plying between the two ports this summer.

Synonyms and how they differ

working

More general; 'plying' is more formal and often used with 'trade' or 'route'.

operating

Often used for machines or services; 'plying' is used for boats, buses, or trades.

Word family

ply verb

The base form; also a noun meaning a layer or thickness.

plies noun

Plural of 'ply', meaning layers or strands.

Commonly confused: plying or playing?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “plying”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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