being pushed around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being 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 dominated by others. Example: "I refuse to let anyone keep pushing me around; I need to stand up for myself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

Eyewitnesses described the vehicles being pushed around "like toy cars".

The Guardian

"I've had enough of being pushed around because of the color of my skin.

Independent

"I remember being pushed around as a kid and being called a 'Christ killer,' " he once said.

The New York Times

He's telling people, it would seem, that it's his decision and he doesn't like being pushed around".

The New Yorker

"Bruno is still being pushed around," he says, "not physically but spiritually; here they hurt you with a smile".

The New York Times - Arts

To him, it's a matter of principle to resist being pushed around by the rich and powerful.

The New York Times

To Britons sick of being pushed around, this obnoxious affront to retrospective pride may be the last straw.

The New York Times

"The real Doorbal was a loud sadist that did not like being pushed around by Lugo," says Schiller.

The Guardian - Film

And those seemingly powerful players are being pushed around by Wal-Mart and an increasingly consolidated retail industry.

The New York Times

Being pushed around by White for half of a preseason game had given Camby lower back pain for two weeks.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being pushed around" to describe situations where someone is not being treated with respect or is being unfairly influenced by others. It is suitable for expressing a lack of autonomy or control.

Common error

While "being pushed around" is a passive construction, avoid overusing passive voice throughout your writing. Active voice often makes your writing more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being pushed around" functions as a verb phrase, often acting as a gerund or part of a continuous verb tense. Ludwig shows that this phrase typically describes a state of receiving unwanted or unfair treatment from others.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

10%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "being pushed around" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a state of being mistreated or unfairly influenced by others. Ludwig provides numerous examples from reputable sources, showing its prevalence across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While the phrase has a neutral register, it effectively conveys a sense of victimhood or lack of control. Given the various interpretations of "being pushed around", using synonyms like "being bullied" or "being taken advantage of" can provide greater precision in certain situations. Overall, Ludwig confirms that "being pushed around" is a versatile and accepted phrase for describing experiences of unfair treatment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being bullied

Focuses specifically on aggressive behavior and intimidation.

being taken advantage of

Highlights the exploitation aspect of the situation.

being dominated

Emphasizes the power imbalance and control exerted by others.

being walked over

Suggests a lack of assertiveness and willingness to tolerate disrespect.

being manipulated

Implies a subtle form of control through deceit or influence.

being controlled

Focuses on the loss of autonomy and freedom.

being intimidated

Highlights the fear and threat involved in the situation.

being oppressed

Suggests a systematic and unjust exercise of power.

being steamrolled

Emphasizes the forceful and overwhelming nature of the action.

being bossed around

Implies a hierarchical relationship where someone is constantly giving orders.

FAQs

What does "being pushed around" mean?

It means to be treated unfairly or aggressively, often involving a loss of control or autonomy. It suggests someone is not being respected or is being manipulated by others.

How can I use "being pushed around" in a sentence?

Example: "I'm tired of "being pushed around" at work; I need to assert myself more."

What are some alternatives to "being pushed around"?

You can use alternatives like "being bullied", "being taken advantage of", or "being dominated", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "being pushed around"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. It is a passive construction using the gerund "being" followed by the past participle "pushed" and the adverb "around".