pushed ahead

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pushed ahead" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of advancing or making progress in a task, project, or situation, often despite obstacles. Example: "Despite the challenges we faced, the team pushed ahead with the project timeline to meet our deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet we pushed ahead.

The New York Times

Ms. Born pushed ahead.

The New York Times

I pushed ahead.

The New York Times

But now the Tories have pushed ahead.

The Guardian

Non-whites will have to be pushed ahead.

The New Yorker

He pushed ahead, and the Beatles stayed right in step.

The New Yorker

A woman appeared from behind and pushed ahead.

The New York Times

"We have pushed ahead with newness," Mr. Gould said.

The New York Times

Instead he has pushed ahead regardless with his botched proposals.

The Guardian

They pushed ahead, despite Stoudemire's struggles, and traded leads with the Lakers in the first half.

The New York Times - Sports

Instead he arrogantly brushed aside concerns and pushed ahead with this botched privatisation.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pushed ahead" when you want to emphasize a proactive and often forceful continuation towards a goal, especially when obstacles are present.

Common error

While acceptable, "pushed ahead" can sometimes sound too informal or assertive for certain formal or academic writing. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "proceeded" or "continued" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "pushed ahead" functions as a dynamic verb, indicating an action of continuing or progressing with something, often despite facing obstacles or resistance. As seen in Ludwig, examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, such as projects, plans, and personal endeavors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "pushed ahead" is a versatile and frequently used expression that signifies continuing a course of action, often in the face of adversity. It's grammatically correct and widely acceptable, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While generally neutral in tone, it can lean towards informal contexts. Its usage spans across diverse domains, with a strong presence in news and media. When considering alternatives, phrases like "pressed forward" or "moved forward" may offer similar meanings. Remember to consider your audience and the desired level of formality when incorporating "pushed ahead" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pressed forward

Emphasizes a determined continuation despite resistance, similar to "pushed ahead" but with a stronger sense of overcoming obstacles.

moved forward

A more general term for making progress, lacking the assertive implication of "pushed ahead".

proceeded

Implies a continuation of a plan or action, slightly more formal than "pushed ahead".

carried on

Focuses on continuing an activity, even if faced with difficulties; less about active advancement.

advanced

Suggests progress in a strategic or planned manner, which can lack the immediacy of "pushed ahead".

persevered

Highlights the aspect of enduring hardship, whereas "pushed ahead" is simply about moving forward.

persisted

Similar to persevered, stressing the determination to continue despite difficulty.

made headway

Emphasizes tangible progress, implying that advancement was difficult to achieve.

forged ahead

Conveys a sense of creating a new path or leading the way, adding an innovative aspect that "pushed ahead" may not inherently possess.

kept going

A simple, straightforward way to express continuation, lacking the proactive nature of "pushed ahead".

FAQs

How do I use "pushed ahead" in a sentence?

"Pushed ahead" is used to indicate that someone continued with a plan or action, often despite facing challenges. For example: "Despite the setbacks, the company "pushed ahead" with the product launch."

What can I say instead of "pushed ahead"?

You can use alternatives like "moved forward", "pressed on", or "proceeded", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "pushed ahead" formal or informal?

"Pushed ahead" is generally considered neutral but leans slightly toward informal. In highly formal contexts, consider alternatives like "advanced" or "progressed".

What's the difference between "pushed ahead" and "pushed forward"?

While similar, "pushed ahead" often implies continuing despite obstacles, whereas "pushed forward" can simply mean advanced in position or time. For instance, a project "pushed ahead" despite funding cuts, while a meeting was "pushed forward" to next week.