are pushed around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are pushed around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is being treated unfairly or is being controlled by others. Example: "In the workplace, employees who are pushed around often feel demoralized and undervalued."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

This method is strikingly similar to the particle-in-cell approach, except that discontinuous waves are pushed around instead of macroparticles.

Journal of Computational Physics

The measurement refers to the number of pieces of data that are pushed around by the computer at a time.

The New York Times - Tech

Colours are pushed around until they begin to coalesce into recognisable scenic fragments: deserted landscapes, isolated houses, occasional glimpses of sexual encounters.

The Guardian - Arts

Beyond the plasmasphere, where the plasma is warmer, electrons are pushed around in explosions generated by tangled lines of the Earth's magnetic field.

The Washington Post

And exchange rates are pushed around by influences far removed from Americans' savings decisions, and the trade imbalances that result from exchange rate movements matter a lot for nations' economic health.

The Guardian - Business

All that is represented in the play when Archie's dad, Billy, laments the way the Brits are pushed around by foreigners even as daughter Jean has joined the passionate anti-Suez protests in Trafalgar Square.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Currencies have been pushed around too.

The Economist

They're not being pushed around by music executives".

The New York Times

"He's pushed around by tides and circumstances".

The New York Times - Arts

"He doesn't want to be pushed around".

The New York Times

They have been pushed around by bigger teams for years.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are pushed around", ensure the context clearly identifies who or what is doing the pushing and who or what is being pushed. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "are pushed around" excessively in your writing. Over-reliance on passive voice can make your writing sound weak and unclear. Instead, consider using active voice to make your sentences more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are pushed around" functions as a passive verb phrase. It describes a state of being acted upon, indicating that someone or something is being subjected to unwanted influence or control. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are pushed around" is a grammatically sound passive verb phrase commonly used to express a state of being controlled or unfairly influenced by others. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and practical usage across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, clarity and context are essential to conveying the intended meaning effectively. While useful, avoid overuse and consider active voice alternatives for more direct writing. Remember that this phrase carries a negative connotation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are manipulated

Focuses on skillful control, often implying deception.

are bullied

Highlights aggressive behavior and intimidation.

are dominated

Emphasizes power imbalance and control.

are controlled

Stresses being managed or directed by someone else.

are taken advantage of

Implies exploitation for personal gain.

are exploited

Highlights unfair use of someone's work or resources.

are subjected to

Suggests enduring something unpleasant or unwanted.

are at the mercy of

Indicates a lack of control and dependence on external forces.

are under the thumb of

Emphasizes direct and oppressive control.

are led by the nose

Suggests being easily manipulated or controlled, often unknowingly.

FAQs

How can I rephrase the sentence with "are pushed around" to be more direct?

Consider using an active voice construction. For example, instead of "They are pushed around by bullies", try "Bullies push them around" to make the sentence more impactful.

What does it mean when someone says people "are pushed around"?

It typically means they are being treated unfairly, controlled, or manipulated by others. It suggests a lack of power or agency on the part of those being "pushed around".

Is it better to say "are bullied" or "are pushed around"?

While both convey a sense of mistreatment, "are bullied" specifically refers to aggressive and intimidating behavior, while "are pushed around" has a broader sense of being controlled or taken advantage of.

Can "are pushed around" be used in a positive context?

Rarely. The phrase typically carries a negative connotation, suggesting unfair treatment or lack of autonomy. It's best to avoid using it in situations where you intend to convey something positive.