pushing a bit hard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pushing a bit hard" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is applying excessive pressure or effort in a situation, often in a context where it may be unwelcome or inappropriate. Example: "I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I feel like you're pushing a bit hard for a decision right now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Next time, it might be worth pushing a bit harder against the bubble while it is still inflating.

The New York Times

The cyclist is pushing a bit harder on the bicycle's pedals, but as the road is now going uphill the bicycle's speed may decrease considerably.

Critical Care

This is analogous to pushing a bit harder on the bicycle's pedals at the same time as you pass the top of a hill and the road starts to go down again; the greater exertion may lead to fatigue, but the downhill slope helps to maintain speed.

Critical Care

Holliday Grainger as his hapless niece and Anne Reid as his long-suffering companion quietly impress, even if Alex Lanipekun pushes a bit hard at the role of Danilo, who is meant to embody the limits of progressive rationalism.

The Guardian

"I might have been in the mix but maybe pushed a bit hard last night and there was the double on the 17th - but all in all I'm happy with my game".

BBC

She pushes a bit harder than necessary, and the bundle starts leaning the other way.

Stanford University

You can nonchalantly push a bit harder (apply a static stress).

Nature

I pushed a bit harder and wanted to know if JLG was difficult to work with.

The Guardian - Film

Had I pushed a bit harder on that flat stretch between miles seven and nine, I might have finished five minutes faster than my original target.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If you want to push a bit harder, you should turn off The Culture Show and Late Review, put down Time Out and read this book instead.

The Guardian - Books

Seems to me that if Del Potro pushes a bit harder he could unnerve Djokovic, he seems to make quite a few unusual errors today".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pushing a bit hard" when you want to convey the idea that someone is approaching or has exceeded a reasonable limit in their efforts.

Common error

Avoid using "pushing a bit hard" in situations where strong encouragement is genuinely needed and appreciated. The phrase can undermine the positive intent if not used carefully.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pushing a bit hard" functions as a descriptive expression, typically modifying a verb or action to indicate excessive effort or pressure. It indicates that the action is being carried out with more intensity than is necessary or appropriate. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is valid and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pushing a bit hard" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe someone exerting excessive effort or pressure. While its use is appropriate across diverse contexts, including news media, science, and academia, it’s crucial to consider the potential negative connotations and choose more formal alternatives for professional settings. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is usable but warrants careful consideration of the audience and the intended message. Alternatives such as "exerting undue influence" or "applying excessive pressure" might be more suitable in formal situations. Therefore, be mindful to use the phrase where mild criticism or a gentle caution is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exerting undue pressure

This alternative highlights the application of pressure that is considered inappropriate or excessive.

pressing too much

This alternative focuses on the act of applying consistent and possibly unwanted pressure.

applying excessive force

This phrase emphasizes the use of more force than necessary, implying a lack of finesse.

straining too much

Suggests that someone is making a great effort, with implication that it's too strong or excessive.

overdoing it

This is a more casual way to say someone is exceeding reasonable limits in their efforts.

going overboard

Similar to "overdoing it", this suggests exceeding the appropriate level of action or intensity.

overstretching

Suggests that somebody is pushing their limits further than it is safe or practical.

trying too hard

This suggests that someone's efforts are counterproductive, often due to being overly zealous.

forcing the issue

This implies attempting to make something happen prematurely or against resistance.

being too aggressive

This highlights the forceful and potentially unwelcome nature of the effort being applied.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "pushing a bit hard" to sound more gentle?

Consider using phrases like "suggesting strongly", "being overzealous", or "applying slight pressure" depending on the specific context.

Is "pushing a bit hard" too informal for professional communication?

While not strictly informal, "pushing a bit hard" can be perceived as less professional than alternatives such as "exerting undue influence" or "applying excessive pressure" in formal business contexts.

What does it mean when someone says I'm "pushing a bit hard"?

It usually implies that you are being too forceful or assertive in your approach, possibly making others uncomfortable or resistant to your ideas or actions.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "pushing a bit hard"?

Use "pushing a bit hard" when you want to subtly criticize someone's overzealousness or suggest they are being too insistent without being overly blunt.