ram through

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ram through" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe an action or decision that is forced through quickly and forcefully, often without much consideration or debate. Example: The new law was rammed through parliament without proper discussions or input from the opposition party.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

When that happens, the rail may ram through the vehicle itself, potentially injuring occupants.

The New York Times

Republicans might ram through all his nominees or the process might be bogged down for months.

The Guardian - Opinion

The agents had no choice but to ram through the front door, she added.

The New York Times

So the government had to resort to confidence votes to ram through its new law.

The Economist

This prompted a scrambling government to ram through new air-quality protections.

The New York Times

China's leadership can ram through public-works projects regardless of the consequences.

The Economist

They accuse him of twisting Senate rules to ram through an outrageously partisan agenda.

The Economist

In one case, witnesses said, a man commandeered an armored personnel carrier and tried to ram through the gates.

The New York Times

To him, that smacks of a Tory plot to ram through changes such as the privatisation of council services.

The Economist

We've gone over this ground again and again, ever since Bush the Younger tried to ram through privatization.

The New York Times

If they refused his terms, Mr. Cuomo would wield his emergency budget powers to ram through even steeper cuts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ram through", consider the negative connotations of forcefulness and potential disregard for others. Ensure the context justifies the use of such a strong term.

Common error

Avoid using "ram through" in situations that require a more neutral or collaborative tone. Opt for alternatives like "implement" or "advance" when describing processes that are not inherently forceful or controversial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ram through" functions primarily as a phrasal verb. It's used to describe the action of forcefully pushing something to completion, often against resistance or without adequate consideration. As shown by Ludwig, this can apply to legislation, projects, or even physical objects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ram through" is a common phrasal verb used to describe the forceful and often rushed implementation of something, typically against opposition or without due consideration. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in News & Media contexts. While its meaning is clear, it carries a negative connotation, making it crucial to consider the tone when choosing this phrase. Alternatives like "force through" or "push through" might be more appropriate in neutral situations. The phrase’s prevalence in reputable sources underscores its validity, but its potential for misinterpretation warrants careful usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

force through

Focuses on the exertion of power or influence to ensure something is accepted or implemented.

push through

Emphasizes effort and determination in advancing something despite resistance.

bulldoze through

Implies aggressively overcoming obstacles, often with disregard for others' opinions.

steamroller through

Suggests overwhelming force and a lack of sensitivity in achieving a result.

railroad through

Indicates a quick and forceful passage, often at the expense of due process or fairness.

jam through

Suggests forcing something quickly, potentially causing disruption.

rush through

Implies doing something very quickly, often sacrificing quality or thoroughness.

fast-track

Highlights an accelerated process, bypassing normal procedures.

hurry through

Suggests moving rapidly through something, possibly neglecting important details.

muscle through

Focuses on using strength or power to achieve a goal, often in a challenging situation.

FAQs

What does "ram through" mean?

"Ram through" means to force something to be approved or accepted quickly, often without proper consideration or against opposition.

How can I use "ram through" in a sentence?

You might say, "The government tried to "ram through" the new legislation before anyone realized its implications."

Are there any synonyms for "ram through"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "force through", "push through", or "railroad through" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "ram through" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "ram through" carries a somewhat negative connotation. Consider a more neutral term like "expedite" or "implement" in formal contexts unless you specifically want to emphasize the forceful nature of the action.