push apart

USAGE SUMMARY

"push apart" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe separating or distancing two people or things. For example, "The two friends had an argument and pushed apart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Instrumental lines pull together and push apart, weaving and tugging in ghostly, exquisite combat.

The Guardian - Music

The sodium attaches to the long, intertwined muscle proteins and causes the proteins to push apart from one another.

The New York Times - Food

For example, you pull down on the list of items to create a new one at the top, or push apart two existing items to add one in between.

The New York Times - Tech

He had both of his hands parked on his thighs, and they were calmly immobile, as though resting before their next task — which was to push apart the two curls parenthesizing his forehead.

The New Yorker

Today, Giggs is rapping "And I don't care if I ain't got a strap on me / If I got a knife, im'a push apart skin… I got no time to put my sperm in a bitch".

The Guardian

Today, the rapper Giggs is telling young men, "And I don't care if I ain't got a strap on me/If I got a knife, I'm a push apart skin… I got no time to put my sperm in a bitch".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The girl's mother pushed apart the drapes.

The New Yorker

"They're hearing the sounds of people coming together instead of being pushed apart," he said.

The New York Times

As the narrative flits back and forth across the years, Elizabeth and Edward are drawn together and pushed apart, pushed apart and drawn together, then as now.

The Guardian - Books

The king bed is actually two twin beds made up together (if you require them pushed apart, it'll cost you $15).

The New York Times - Travel

His painting has a huge muscular worker - painted from life with a Welsh miner as model - pushing apart the pillars of capitalism with his bare hands.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "push apart" when describing a deliberate action or force that causes items or people to move away from each other. It's suitable when emphasizing the effort or energy involved in creating the separation.

Common error

Avoid using "push apart" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or sophisticated language may be preferred. Consider alternatives like "separate", "diverge", or "disassociate" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "push apart" functions primarily as a dynamic descriptor of an action that causes separation or distancing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English, effectively portraying the act of creating space between two or more entities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

63%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "push apart" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the act of creating separation between entities, whether physical objects, abstract concepts, or interpersonal relationships. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and applicable in various contexts. The phrase is common in both news reporting and scientific literature, reflecting a neutral register. While generally acceptable, writers should consider more formal alternatives like "separate" or "diverge" in highly academic or professional settings. Usage errors are rare, but over reliance in formal writing should be avoided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

separate

A more general term for causing things to not be together.

force apart

Highlights the application of external force to cause separation.

split up

Commonly used for relationships ending, or groups disbanding.

draw apart

Indicates a gradual or reluctant separation.

drive a wedge between

Specifically refers to creating discord or separation between people or groups.

break up

Similar to "split up", often used in the context of romantic relationships.

disintegrate

Suggests a more violent or complete separation, implying a breakdown into smaller components.

disperse

Suggests scattering or spreading out, rather than a clean break.

alienate

Refers to causing someone to feel isolated or estranged.

estrange

Similar to "alienate", but often implies a loss of affection or familiarity over time.

FAQs

How can I use "push apart" in a sentence?

You can use "push apart" to describe a physical separation, like "The force of the explosion pushed the debris apart". It can also describe a more figurative separation, such as "Their conflicting ideologies pushed them apart".

What verbs are similar to "push apart"?

Similar verbs include "separate", "disperse", or "split up". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "push apart" or "pull apart"?

Both "push apart" and "pull apart" are valid, but they describe different actions. "Push apart" implies moving something away by force, while "pull apart" suggests separation by drawing something closer.

What does it mean to "drive a wedge between" people?

To "drive a wedge between" people is similar to metaphorically "pushing them apart", creating disagreement and animosity that strains their relationship. It is a more emotionally charged expression than "push apart".