push over

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "push over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is easily persuaded, manipulated, or taken advantage of. For example: He's such a push over; his friends are always convincing him to do things he doesn't want to do.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Push over and shake table experiments are performed on three storeyed RCC framed structure.

Nuclear Engineering and Design

Scores of them then tried to push over a police bus.

The Guardian

Since then it has helped push over 200 well-established local fish species to extinction.

The Guardian - Opinion

This paper reports on the investigation of the in-plane behaviour of the mortar-free structures under different loadings: push over, snap back, impact, harmonic and earthquake loadings.

Construction and Building Materials

The harmonic tests were more accurate in finding the fundamental frequencies of the structures compared to the push over and snap back tests.

Construction and Building Materials

It was more than strong enough to knock down trees, down power lines and even push over a light standard.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

One thing the government does is push over-the-counter financial transactions such as derivatives into listed exchanges.

Forbes

He will not be a push-over for President Obama.

The New York Times

Jackson says: "He was never a push-over.

The Guardian

This cross-sectoral technological imperative is here conceptualized as "technology push-over".

Research Policy

The vulnerability of these buildings has been evaluated by 2-D "push-over" analyses.

Journal of Constructional Steel Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "push over" to describe a physical action, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being overturned or displaced. When using it metaphorically, consider whether a more precise term like "dominate" or "manipulate" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "push over" in formal writing when a more precise and professional term can be used. In business or academic contexts, phrases like "easily influenced" or "readily persuaded" may be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "push over" primarily functions as a verb expressing physical action or metaphorical ease. Ludwig AI confirms its use in describing both literal acts of toppling something and the ease with which someone is influenced.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Wiki

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

5%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "push over" is commonly used to describe both the physical act of overturning something and the metaphorical concept of someone being easily influenced or defeated. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently found across various sources, particularly in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the specific context and audience when choosing "push over", especially in formal writing where more precise alternatives like "easily influenced" or "dominate" might be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

topple

Suggests a more forceful or complete act of overturning.

knock down

Focuses on the action of causing something to fall.

overturn

Implies a complete reversal of position.

defeat easily

Shifts the meaning to overcoming someone or something with little effort.

easily influenced

Refers to the characteristic of being easily persuaded.

bend to one's will

Indicates controlling someone's actions or decisions.

dominate

Implies exerting control or power over someone or something.

walk all over

Means to mistreat or take advantage of someone.

exploit

Suggests using someone or something for one's own benefit, often unfairly.

manipulate

Focuses on skillfully controlling or influencing someone.

FAQs

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

You can use "push over" to describe a physical action, such as "They tried to push over a police bus", or metaphorically, meaning to easily defeat or influence someone, as in "He's no push over".

What does it mean when someone is described as a "push over"?

If someone is a "push over", it means they are easily persuaded or taken advantage of. They lack the strength to resist others' demands or influence. You can also check the alternative "easily influenced".

What are some synonyms for "push over" when referring to someone easily manipulated?

Some synonyms include "easily influenced", "easily persuaded", "gullible", or "compliant". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "push over" in formal writing?

While "push over" is widely understood, it may be considered informal in certain contexts. For formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "easily influenced" or "readily persuaded", depending on the intended meaning.