shove up

USAGE SUMMARY

"Shove up" is not a grammatically correct phrase in written English.
It is more commonly used in colloquial or spoken language to mean "move up" or "make room for someone". For example, "Hey, can you shove up a bit so I can sit down?".

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

I told him I was heading into the shop to buy a Toblerone to shove up his arse.

The Guardian

With Mr. Volcker installed as chairman, the Fed belatedly recognized the dangers in this structural shift and began to shove up rates.

The New York Times

The danger is that two or three huge corporations will come to dominate each industry and gain the power to shove up prices.

The New York Times

But slumping oil prices have triggered speculation against the Norwegian krone and the bank is having to shove up interest rates in an effort to fend off a feared burst of inflation.

The Economist

It's been almost seventeen years since C.K. retired his impression of John F. Kennedy (if John F. Kennedy were a hooker in Saigon), or his joke about negotiating with a woman about what he'd let her shove up his ass during sex.

The New Yorker

Eventually Murray has to shove up a high ball, which Djokovic can smash for a winner.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The area where I live, moreover, is dramatically mixed, bankers shoving up next to council tenants.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He will have microphones shoved up his nose and stupid questions tossed his way like bricks.

The New York Times - Sports

He was shoved up against a cigarette machine and shot twice in the stomach by a trooper named James Fowler.

The New Yorker

A hundred metres down the lane, a caravan park was a lake, with caravans shoved up against fences.

The Guardian - Opinion

I don't think working in a titty bar getting fivers shoved up your bum is empowering.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shove up" in informal contexts where a direct and slightly impolite request for space is appropriate.

Common error

Refrain from using "shove up" in professional or formal communications; opt for more polite alternatives like "move over" or "make room".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "shove up" is as an intransitive phrasal verb, often used as an imperative. It serves to directly request or command someone to move and create space. Ludwig AI notes that it's commonly used in spoken language.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shove up" is a phrasal verb primarily used informally to request someone to move and create space. While not strictly grammatically incorrect, Ludwig AI recognizes it's more common in colloquial speech than formal writing. Its use is best confined to casual contexts, with more polite alternatives favored in professional or formal settings. Consider alternatives like "move over" or "make room" when a more courteous approach is needed. Ludwig's analysis indicates that while understood, "shove up" carries a directness that may be perceived as impolite in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

move over

Implies a simple shift in position to create space.

make room

Focuses on creating space for someone or something.

scoot over

Suggests a quick and casual movement to one side.

budge up

A more colloquial term for moving to create space.

shift position

A more formal way of saying move to create space.

give way

Implies yielding space or priority.

clear a space

Emphasizes the act of creating an empty area.

adjust your position

A polite way to request someone to move slightly.

reposition yourself

Suggests a more significant change in location.

slide over

Similar to scoot over, but perhaps a smoother movement.

FAQs

What does "shove up" mean?

"Shove up" is an informal phrasal verb meaning to move and make space for someone else, often used in a direct or even slightly rude manner.

When is it appropriate to use "shove up"?

It's appropriate to use "shove up" in casual settings among close friends or family, but it's best avoided in formal or professional environments.

What are some polite alternatives to "shove up"?

You can use alternatives like "move over", "make room", or "scoot over" for a more courteous request.

Is "shove up" grammatically correct?

While widely understood, "shove up" might not be considered grammatically correct in formal writing, but it is acceptable in colloquial speech.