it pushes against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it pushes against" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a force or pressure being applied in opposition to something else. Example: "The wind pushes against the walls of the old house, creating an eerie sound at night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The wind is invisible to our eyes-a very dilute gas of molecules but one can sense its presence as it pushes against them or other objects, moving them around.

Duke University

It pushes against convention, logic, chronology.

The New York Times - Books

It pushes against bureaucratic overthinking, analysis-paralysis, and excessive whiteboarding".

The New Yorker

As the tree grows, it pushes against the batten strip, which pushes against the fender washer, which floats the nail.

Cornell University

"The reason being because it closes against the sill, so that when the wind pushes, it pushes against the sill".

The New York Times

At the same time, it pushes against South America, raising mountains higher as they fold like an accordion.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

It pushed against expectations attaching to the thriller form, often transcending the limits of the genre".

Wikipedia

Even though it wasn't a win as such, it pushed against everything that came before it.

Vice

As the gel expanded and increased in height, it pushed against the cantilever applying an increasing force (FIG. 3A&B).

Plosone

I resent it, and I push against it".

The Guardian

The most significant influence on the 20th century was totalitarian ideologies, and Oskar both reflects it and pushes against it.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it pushes against" to vividly describe resistance or opposition, whether physical or abstract. For example, "The argument pushes against conventional wisdom."

Common error

Avoid using "it pushes against" when the subject is not actively exerting force. For example, instead of "The door was pushed against by the wind", use "The wind pushed against the door".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it pushes against" functions as a verb phrase, describing an action of exertion or opposition. Ludwig provides examples where it indicates both physical force, as in "the wind pushes against the sill", and abstract resistance, such as "it pushes against convention".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it pushes against" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the action of opposing or resisting something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. The contexts range from physical forces in nature to abstract concepts in social commentary. It appears most frequently in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for a variety of audiences. When writing, consider whether a more precise alternative such as "it resists" or "it opposes" might better convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it resists

Focuses on the act of opposing or withstanding something, omitting the directional force.

it opposes

Emphasizes direct conflict or disagreement, rather than physical force.

it counteracts

Highlights the nullifying effect of the action, not necessarily a physical push.

it struggles against

Adds a sense of difficulty and effort in the opposition.

it bucks

Suggests a sudden, forceful resistance, often against a trend or authority.

it challenges

Indicates questioning or disputing something, less about physical force.

it confronts

Highlights a direct encounter and dealing with something, possibly contentious.

it withstands

Focuses on enduring or holding out against something, rather than actively pushing back.

it defies

Implies open disobedience or refusal to comply.

it infringes

Emphasizes the encroachment or violation of a boundary.

FAQs

How can I use "it pushes against" in a sentence?

Use "it pushes against" to describe a force that is acting in opposition to something else. For example, "The rising tide pushes against the shore" or "The new law pushes against established norms".

What are some alternatives to "it pushes against"?

Some alternatives include "it resists", "it opposes", or "it counteracts", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it is pushed against" instead of "it pushes against"?

While "it is pushed against" is grammatically correct, it implies a passive voice, where something is receiving the force. "It pushes against" is active voice, indicating that the subject is exerting force. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

How does "it pushes against" differ from "it pushes back against"?

"It pushes against" implies a general resistance or opposition. "It pushes back against" suggests a reaction to a prior force or action. The addition of "back" emphasizes the reactive nature of the pushing.