pushing

USAGE SUMMARY

'pushing' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word 'pushing' to describe the action of physically pushing someone or something, or to describe the act of exerting effort or pressure in order to make something happen. Example: She was pushing against the door, but it wouldn't open.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"So the real challenge for us as we debate our role in the EU is working out what we should be pushing forward, what we should be leading on within the EU, to make it – and us – a more effective economic and global power".

The Guardian

When he first started putting men in pussy-bow blouses, there was muttering about boundary pushing and it was dismissed as experimental London fashion by some factions.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's only the first couple of weeks of 2015, but the year may as well be over: with the 2016 presidential and congressional elections looming, Republicans are pushing full steam ahead on economy and jobs in an attempt to improve their chances at capturing the White House next year.

The Guardian - Money

Forte agreed with Arquette "100%" but said it was difficult to quantify the pay gap, or to know whether fault lay with female actors or agents for not pushing hard enough, or with executives for resisting equal pay.

The Guardian - Film

The coalition of disability groups are pushing the Georgia state assembly to change the law to bring it in line with the other 49 states by lowering the burden of proof to "preponderance of the evidence".

The Guardian

"We had two in the finals of the Australian last year; it's just a matter of them not pushing on.

The Guardian - Sport

I swam towards the Italian ship but the waves were pushing me backwards whenever I got closer.

The Guardian

In 2004 Senator John McCain actually said, while pushing emissions-control legislation: "There is strong scientific consensus about the fact that global climate change is occurring, and occurring as a result of human activity".

The Guardian - Opinion

We can't keep pushing through trade deals that benefit multinational companies at the expense of workers".

The Guardian

Along with the "one Windows for all devices" idea, Microsoft is pushing what it calls "universal Windows apps", which is the new name for apps downloaded from the Windows Store.

The Guardian - Tech

She said the government's policy on asylum seekers was pushing people to a "point of self-destruction".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pushing" in writing, ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a physical action, an effort to influence, or a continuous progression.

Common error

In formal writing, avoid overusing "pushing" as it can sometimes sound too informal or aggressive. Instead, consider more nuanced alternatives like "advancing", "promoting", or "advocating" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pushing" is that of a present participle, often used to form continuous verb tenses (e.g., "They are pushing") or as a gerund (e.g., "Pushing boundaries"). Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Sport

20%

Lifestyle

19%

Less common in

Business

8%

Science

19%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pushing" functions primarily as a present participle and is used to describe physical actions, efforts to influence, or continuous progression. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for news, sports, and lifestyle content. To maintain an elevated tone in formal settings, consider alternatives like "advancing" or "promoting". "Pushing" sees frequent use in News & Media, Sport, and Lifestyle contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exerting pressure

Focuses on the application of force or influence, highlighting the effort involved.

pressing ahead

Suggests a determined continuation despite potential obstacles.

applying force

Emphasizes the physical action of exerting strength or power.

advancing forcefully

Highlights the aggressive and determined nature of the forward movement.

driving forward

Implies a proactive and energetic approach towards achieving a goal.

urging onward

Focuses on encouraging and motivating progress towards a goal.

promoting actively

Emphasizes the proactive support and encouragement of a cause or idea.

shoving

Implies a rougher, more forceful action than gently "pushing".

endeavoring strenuously

Implies a significant effort and dedication towards achieving a specific outcome.

impelling

Suggests a strong, internal force driving action.

FAQs

How can I use "pushing" in a sentence?

"Pushing" can describe a physical action, as in, "She was pushing the shopping cart". It can also describe exerting influence, as in, "They are pushing for reforms".

What are some alternatives to "pushing"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "exerting pressure", "promoting", or "advancing".

Is it always appropriate to use "pushing" in formal writing?

While "pushing" is generally acceptable, consider the tone and audience. In some formal contexts, alternatives like "advocating" or "promoting" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "pushing" and "forcing"?

"Pushing" often implies a more gradual or persuasive effort, while "forcing" suggests a more direct and potentially coercive action. "They were "pushing for" a vote" versus "They were "forcing a vote"".