propelling

USAGE SUMMARY

"propelling" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a verb meaning "to drive or push forward" and is usually used in the context of movement. For example, "The rocket's powerful engines propelled it into space."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Drama over the landmark trade negotiations has been escalating for weeks, propelling Obama into a public feud with Democrats – going so far as to accuse opposing members within his party of lying about the fast-track bill.

The Guardian

You start by kneeling on a surfboard, propelling yourself along with a single-blade paddle.

The Guardian - Travel

It's a great feeling, propelling yourself with speed".

The Guardian

A study in the Netherlands estimated that €1 ($1.07) spent on treatment saves €4.24 in increased productivity and reduced costs of care.All this is propelling mental-health care up governments' agendas.

The Economist

By withdrawing a much-needed lifeline, it might well be propelling Sharp towards eventual bankruptcy.

The Economist

A combination of factors is propelling it towards commercialisation.

The Economist

SHALE gas and oil are propelling America to energy self-sufficiency and giving its economy a handy boost.

The Economist

And though it may be doctrinal hostility to America, and allegiance to Iran and Syria, that are propelling the current push to unseat the government, Hizbullah has capitalised on suspicion of America to broaden its appeal beyond its core Shia constituency.The threat of unrest has raised fears that Sunnis will be pitted against Shias, and pro- and anti-Syrian Christian factions against each other.

The Economist

The stated aim is to push immigrant women into the labour market (duly propelling their children into day care).Behind such policies lie a set of ideological beliefs, concedes a senior government official.

The Economist

For some people the train crash was a metaphor for years of unrestrained high-speed GDP growth propelling the country towards a social, environmental and political reckoning.Of mice and ChinamenSo far the party's heavy investment in the internet has paid off, allowing the government to acknowledge the problems but keeping things under control.

The Economist

China's investment leapt 28% in a year, propelling it past Japan to become the world's second-biggest spender.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "propelling" to describe forces that initiate or accelerate movement, progress, or advancement. It's particularly effective when highlighting the source of that force or energy.

Common error

Avoid using "propelling" to describe situations that are static or lack active movement. It suggests dynamic action, so ensure the context reflects this.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "propelling" is that of a present participle, often used to form continuous verb tenses or as an adjective describing something that causes movement. Ludwig highlights its usage in various contexts, as seen in examples like "propelling Obama into a public feud".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Propelling functions as a present participle, signifying the action of driving something forward. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly employed across diverse contexts, especially in news and media. When writing, it's best used to describe forces that cause advancement, avoiding static situations. Alternative phrases include "driving forward", "boosting" and "advancing", each nuanced to fit specific scenarios. The term maintains a generally neutral register, making it suitable for various communication styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

driving forward

This alternative uses a more literal description of forward motion or progress.

pushing onward

This phrase suggests a continuous effort towards a goal.

boosting

This term implies an increase in momentum or effectiveness.

advancing

This alternative highlights the progressive nature of the movement or action.

motivating

Focuses on the cause, rather than the physical action.

prompting

Suggests initiating action or decision.

encouraging

Emphasis on the effect on others.

stimulating

Implies a greater effect than just moving forward.

catalyzing

Highlights acceleration and the production of something new.

sparking

Highlights sudden initiation.

FAQs

How can I use "propelling" in a sentence?

Use "propelling" to describe something that is pushing or driving something else forward, such as "The engine is propelling the car forward."

What can I say instead of "propelling"?

You can use alternatives like "driving forward", "boosting", or "advancing" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "propelling" or "propelling forward"?

"Propelling" already implies forward movement, so adding "forward" is often redundant. However, "propelling forward" can be used for emphasis or clarity in specific contexts.

What's the difference between "propelling" and "motivating"?

"Propelling" suggests physical movement or direct causation, while "motivating" implies inspiring or encouraging someone to take action. Propelling focuses on the force, motivating on the internal drive.