pushing forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'pushing forward' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe making progress despite a challenge or obstacle. For example: "The team is pushing forward in the face of adversity and refusing to give up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Keep pushing forward".

The New York Times - Sports

Yet they kept pushing forward.

The Economist

"I just kept pushing forward".

The New York Times

"But I kept pushing forward".

The New York Times - Sports

"We need to keep pushing forward.

Independent

"We just kind of keep pushing forward, pushing forward".

The New York Times - Arts

Together, they kept pushing forward.

The New York Times

But he kept on pushing forward.

The New York Times

"We were pushing forward with rigor.

The New York Times

They expected to keep pushing forward.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Has he pushed forward?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pushing forward" when you want to emphasize overcoming obstacles or resistance while making progress. It suggests effort and determination.

Common error

Avoid using "pushing forward" when describing effortless or passive progress. It's best suited for situations involving active effort and resistance. Instead, consider using "progressing" or "advancing".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pushing forward" is that of a present participle used as part of a continuous verb tense or as a gerund acting as a noun. This is verified by Ludwig AI, where the Examples shown highlight its role in expressing ongoing action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pushing forward" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that describes making progress despite challenges. It is grammatically correct and has a neutral register, suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is widely used and accepted in English writing. When using "pushing forward", remember that it implies effort and determination, and it's best used in situations involving active progress rather than passive movement. Consider alternatives like "moving forward" or "making headway" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moving forward

A more general term for advancement, less emphatic than "pushing forward".

making headway

Implies overcoming difficulties to make progress, similar to "pushing forward" but less forceful.

pressing onward

Stresses determination and continuation despite challenges, akin to "pushing forward" but with a stronger sense of perseverance.

advancing steadily

Emphasizes consistent and incremental progress, differing from the potential implication of overcoming obstacles in "pushing forward".

driving forward

Emphasizes forceful action and leadership in making progress, more assertive than "pushing forward".

forging ahead

Suggests creating a new path or overcoming significant obstacles, implying a more proactive approach than "pushing forward".

striving forward

Implies a strong effort and ambition in making progress, adding a layer of aspiration absent in "pushing forward".

progressing rapidly

Highlights the speed of advancement, differing from "pushing forward" which focuses more on effort than velocity.

continuing relentlessly

Focuses on the persistence and intensity of the effort, highlighting a determination to persist without pause, unlike the general sense of progress in "pushing forward".

endeavoring onwards

Conveys a sense of formal and sustained effort towards progress, setting a tone that "pushing forward" lacks.

FAQs

How do I use "pushing forward" in a sentence?

You can use "pushing forward" to describe making progress despite challenges, such as: "The team is "pushing forward" despite the setbacks." or "She kept "pushing forward" even when things got tough."

What can I say instead of "pushing forward"?

You can use alternatives like "moving forward", "making headway", or "progressing" depending on the context.

Is "pushing forward" the same as "moving forward"?

While similar, "moving forward" is a more general term for making progress. ""pushing forward"" implies more effort and overcoming obstacles.

When should I use "pushing forward" versus "moving on"?

"Pushing forward" emphasizes continued progress, while "moving on" suggests leaving something behind. Use ""pushing forward"" when progress is still the goal; use "moving on" when closure or transition is the focus.