propel

USAGE SUMMARY

"propel" is an acceptable word with English and can be used in written English.
It is a verb meaning "to move or cause to move forward or onward" or "to cause or urge onward." For example, "The team was motivated to propel their project forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Whatever the outcome, the battle will surely be very divisive in the country and may well propel Scotland out of the UK.

The Guardian

Breathing through the anus allows nymphs to propel themselves through the water with a sudden, turbo-charged burst of speed to escape predators.

The Guardian

The NUT did manage to propel the issue of funding momentarily into the headlines in the middle of an election campaign, which is where it should be.

The Guardian

Johnson's bass-line contributions to the Off the Wall album (1979) helped propel Jackson to superstardom, and his parts on Thriller (1982) laid down the exciting foundations for what became the biggest-selling LP of all time.

The Guardian - Music

We need a coalition of them all, if possible, with Miliband, because the big party is necessary, but to keep him in check and to propel him along, whenever needed.

The Guardian

However, under the bonnet of the two blocs, the mechanics that could propel one to No 10 are more complicated for Cameron than they are for Miliband.

The Guardian

On a swing back to South Carolina on Wednesday, Clinton set out to recapture the support of black voters – a key bloc of the coalition that twice helped propel Obama to the White House – by sticking to her message with a touch of Southern drawl.

The Guardian

Instead, the near miss, after a stunning 120 minute defensive display with a makeshift lineup against the second best team in Liga MX, will hopefully serve to propel the Earthquakes forward in the still young MLS season.

The Guardian - Sport

To the first ball he received after Broad had reverted to this old-fashioned mode of attack, which required the bowler to propel the ball on a length at the stumps, Boult swung again and the ball skied to Lyth at cover.

The Guardian - Sport

A late show of solidarity for Bennett Miller, who recently came under fire from one of the men on whose story Foxcatcher is based, may have helped propel him to a best director nod; the film also picked up a best original screenplay nod, as well as acclaim for Steve Carell in the best actor category and best supporting actor for Mark Ruffalo (although co-star Channing Tatum missed out).

The Guardian - Film

It could, in an election that is harder to call than any for a generation, cost them perhaps nine seats, enough to propel Ed Miliband into Downing Street with a small overall majority.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "propel" when you want to emphasize the force or mechanism that causes something to move forward, whether physically or figuratively. For example, "innovations propel economic growth."

Common error

Avoid using "propel" solely for gentle encouragement; it implies a significant force or impact. For instance, instead of "gentle reminders propelled the team to finish", consider a word like "encouraged" or "motivated."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "propel" is as a transitive verb. It signifies the action of causing something to move forward or onward, either physically or metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "propel" functions as a transitive verb denoting the act of causing forward movement or progress. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use, particularly in News & Media contexts. The examples highlight its applicability in both literal and figurative senses. While alternatives like "drive forward" and "spur on" exist, "propel" carries a distinct emphasis on the force and mechanism behind the movement. Best practices include leveraging "propel" to underscore substantial impact, while avoiding its use for subtle encouragement. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles. Therefore, writers can confidently use "propel" to effectively convey the idea of initiating or accelerating movement or progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drive forward

This alternative emphasizes continuous effort and directionality in causing movement or progress.

push onward

This emphasizes the application of force to move something or someone ahead.

spur on

This conveys the idea of inciting or encouraging someone to greater effort or achievement.

catapult

This implies a rapid and forceful launch into a new position or state.

boost

This suggests an increase or improvement that aids in advancement.

motivate

Focuses on providing someone with the incentive to take action and move forward.

impel

Similar to "propel" but carries a sense of urgency or strong internal drive.

incite

This alternative highlights the role of stirring up or provoking action.

precipitate

This indicates causing something to happen suddenly or sooner than expected.

set in motion

This emphasizes initiating a process or sequence of events.

FAQs

How can I use "propel" in a sentence?

You can use "propel" to describe the action of moving something forward with force, as in "The engine's power can "propel" the boat through the water". It can also be used figuratively, like "The new evidence "propelled" the investigation forward".

What are some alternatives to "propel"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "drive forward", "spur on", or "boost" instead of "propel".

Is it appropriate to use "propel" in formal writing?

Yes, "propel" is suitable for formal writing. As Ludwig AI indicates, the term is grammatically correct and frequently used in professional and news contexts. Therefore, "propel" can be used in formal writing without concern.

What is the difference between "propel" and "promote"?

"Propel" implies a more forceful movement forward, either literally or figuratively. "Promote" generally refers to advancing or encouraging something, often in a career or marketing context. While both can indicate advancement, "propel" suggests a more immediate and powerful push.