pushing onward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pushing onward" is a perfectly valid and grammatically correct phrase to use in written English.
It is often used to refer to continuing a journey or task, often even in the face of adversity. For example, "Despite the difficulties they faced, the team kept pushing onward and eventually completed the project ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

How do you keep pushing onward when your heart isn't in it?

Harvard Business Review

Campaign advertising was mostly suspended on the east coast but is pushing onward in the rest of the country.

The Guardian

Conducting without a score, he pounced on every nuance, highlighting the smallest detail in woodwind and brass, and always, always pushing onward that insistent, doom-laden rhythm.

The Guardian - Music

After crossing a small, mushy trickle and pushing onward another 100 yards or so, the sound of rushing water will begin to guide you.

The New York Times

As far back as almost every living Israeli can remember, Sharon was in battle, pushing onward, annexing more and more territories to the Jewish state, and depriving it of its last remnants of moral innocence.

The New Yorker

Miss Atkins, crafty as the fox she resembles with her sharp eyes and long nose, makes an exhilarating adventure out of it -- leading us surely along the path of Woolf's thought, pausing here and there to let us drink in the magnificent vistas, before pushing onward, past boulder and precipice, to the dizzying summit.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

After my filial phone call was finished, I pushed onward and upward along Central Park West.

The New Yorker

Bravely, side by side, Graham and LuAnn Snyder will push onward.

The New York Times - Sports

Nevertheless, Jit and the other guides at the lodge suggested that all the trekkers push onward.

The New York Times - Travel

Then the two players pushed onward the day Ewing sustained a partly torn Achilles' tendon during the Eastern Conference finals.

The New York Times - Sports

The first railroad from the east reached Chicago in February 1852, and soon thereafter lines were pushed onward toward the Mississippi and the Missouri rivers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pushing onward" to convey a sense of determined continuation, especially when facing challenges. For instance, "Despite the setbacks, the project team kept pushing onward."

Common error

Avoid using "pushing onward" in highly formal or technical writing where simpler alternatives like "continuing" or "progressing" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

Pushing onward" functions as a phrasal verb indicating continuous action or progression. It combines the verb "pushing" with the adverb "onward" to express the idea of moving forward or continuing a journey, task, or effort. Ludwig AI validates that this is a proper expression to use, based on real life examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "pushing onward" effectively conveys continued effort and determination, often in the face of obstacles. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness. While suitable for various contexts, including news, business, and academia, simpler alternatives may be preferable in highly formal or technical writing. Related phrases like "pressing on" or "forging ahead" offer similar meanings with slight variations in nuance. Remember to use this phrase to add emphasis to the act of continuing, but avoid overuse in overly formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continuing onward

Adds redundancy for emphasis.

pressing on

Suggests a determined continuation despite difficulties.

persisting onwards

Emphasizes tenacity and determination.

forging ahead

Implies overcoming obstacles with determination.

moving forward

A more general term for making progress.

keeping going

An informal and encouraging way to express persistence.

proceeding ahead

A more formal alternative for advancing.

making headway

Focuses on the progress being made.

advancing further

Emphasizes distance and progression.

striving forward

Highlights the effort and ambition involved.

FAQs

How can I use "pushing onward" in a sentence?

"Pushing onward" is used to describe a continued effort or journey, often despite difficulties. For example, "Despite the bad weather, we kept pushing onward to reach our destination."

What are some alternatives to "pushing onward"?

You can use alternatives like "pressing on", "moving forward", or "forging ahead" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "pushing onward" a formal or informal expression?

"Pushing onward" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, highly formal or technical writing might benefit from alternatives like "continuing".

What does it mean to say someone is "pushing onward"?

It means they are continuing to make progress or move forward, often with determination and resilience in the face of challenges or obstacles.