push back

USAGE SUMMARY

'push back' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a physical act of resistance, or figuratively to refer to a refusal or rejection. For example: "The mayor has pushed back against calls to defund the police department."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Rodriguez should push back.

The New York Times - Sports

"We have to push back.

The New York Times

"You push back.

The Guardian

He will need to push back hard.

The New York Times

Moreover, the scholars can sometimes push back.

The Economist

But we have ways to push back.

The Economist

How, then, can women push back?

The Economist

Gardeners, he said, "need to push back.

The New York Times

The acquittal was a small push back.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

He wants push-back".

The New York Times - Magazine

The push-back has begun.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "push back" in the context of scheduling, ensure clarity by specifying what is being delayed or rescheduled, such as "push back the deadline" or "push back the meeting".

Common error

While "push back" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and formal alternatives like "resist", "counteract", or "oppose" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "push back" functions primarily as a verb of action, indicating either active resistance or postponement. Ludwig examples showcase its application in diverse scenarios, reinforcing its active role in conveying opposition or delay. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "push back" is a versatile term used to express resistance, opposition, or postponement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Its neutral register and high frequency, particularly in news and media sources, make it a common choice for expressing active disagreement or rescheduling events. While generally acceptable, writers should consider more formal alternatives like "resist", "oppose", or "delay" in professional or academic contexts. Remembering to specify what is being "pushed back" and avoiding overuse in formal writing will ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fight back

Emphasizes a reactive and often aggressive response to an attack or challenge.

resist

A single word alternative which is more general, lacking the phrasal verb's implication of active counter-pressure.

oppose

A direct synonym that means to disagree with something, but may not necessarily imply active resistance.

counteract

Implies neutralizing an effect or force, more formal than "push back".

rebel

Suggests a stronger, often more defiant form of resistance against authority.

hold off

To delay or postpone something, closely related to one specific sense of "push back".

defend against

Focuses on protecting against an attack, implying a defensive rather than offensive stance.

stand firm

Focuses on maintaining one's position against opposition, lacking the active component of "push back".

postpone

A direct synonym for delaying something, similar to one usage of "push back".

delay

Implies a temporary suspension or slowing down of something, sharing the postponement aspect.

FAQs

What does "push back" mean?

The phrase "push back" can mean to resist or oppose something, or to postpone or delay something. The meaning depends on the context.

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

You can use "push back" in a sentence to describe resisting an idea (e.g., "The committee decided to "push back" against the proposed changes") or delaying an event (e.g., "We had to "push back" the meeting to next week").

What can I say instead of "push back" when I mean resist?

If you mean resist, you can use alternatives like "resist", "oppose", or "counteract" depending on the context.

What can I say instead of "push back" when I mean postpone?

If you mean postpone, you can use alternatives like "delay" or "postpone". "Hold off" is also a valid alternative that closely shares the postponement meaning.