to push ahead

USAGE SUMMARY

"to push ahead" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to continue or make progress despite challenges or obstacles. Example: Despite facing numerous setbacks, the team refused to give up and continued to push ahead with their project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They told him to push ahead.

The New York Times

The Johnsons decided to push ahead.

The New York Times

Conte, once a teammate, has a duty to push ahead.

The New York Times - Sports

Despite the worries, Bankia is right to push ahead.

The Economist

It still needs to push ahead with structural reforms.

The Economist

Nonetheless, the government is determined to push ahead.

The Economist

But the time is ripe to push ahead.

The New York Times

But Germany also needs to push ahead with liberalisation.

The Economist

It's worth the effort to push ahead, though.

The New York Times - Books

But Judge Hughes made clear his desire to push ahead.

The Guardian

By the afternoon, the government had decided to push ahead.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to push ahead" when you want to convey a sense of determination and perseverance in the face of obstacles. It emphasizes overcoming challenges to achieve a goal.

Common error

While versatile, avoid using "to push ahead" excessively in very informal conversations. Simpler alternatives like "to go on" or "to continue" may sound more natural in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to push ahead" primarily functions as an infinitive, often used to express intention or purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is both grammatically correct and widely used. Examples from Ludwig show it modifying verbs to indicate a determined continuation despite challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to push ahead" is a versatile and widely used infinitive phrase that conveys determination and perseverance in the face of obstacles. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. While it's most commonly found in News & Media sources, as evidenced by the Ludwig examples, it's suitable for various contexts, from formal business communications to everyday conversations. When using this phrase, remember to emphasize the proactive effort and resilience required to overcome challenges. Consider alternatives like "to press on" or "to forge ahead" for slightly different nuances. Avoid overusing it in very informal settings, where simpler alternatives may sound more natural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to press on

Emphasizes continuing forward with determination, despite difficulties or resistance. Less emphasis on overcoming obstacles.

to forge ahead

Suggests a more forceful and determined movement, often implying creating a new path or overcoming significant resistance.

to proceed

A more formal and neutral term for continuing forward, without necessarily implying overcoming challenges.

to continue

A general term for not stopping, lacking the proactive sense of overcoming obstacles.

to carry on

Implies continuing a task or activity, often despite difficulties or interruptions.

to keep going

Focuses on maintaining effort and momentum, often in the face of fatigue or discouragement.

to advance

Suggests progress and movement towards a goal, typically in a strategic or planned way.

to persevere

Emphasizes steadfastness and persistence in the face of adversity, suggesting a long and challenging journey.

to move forward

Indicates a general progression, often used in a metaphorical sense to describe progress in a project or initiative.

to drive on

Suggests relentless energy and determination, pushing oneself or others to achieve a goal.

FAQs

How can I use "to push ahead" in a sentence?

You can use "to push ahead" to indicate continuing with a plan or project despite difficulties. For instance: "Despite the setbacks, we decided "to push ahead" with the launch".

What is a synonym for "to push ahead"?

Alternatives to "to push ahead" include "to press on", "to forge ahead", or "to continue". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "pushing ahead" instead of "to push ahead"?

Yes, "pushing ahead" is grammatically correct, but it functions differently. "To push ahead" is an infinitive phrase, while "pushing ahead" is a gerund phrase, often used as a noun. For example, "Pushing ahead was the only option".

What's the difference between "to push ahead" and "to move forward"?

"To push ahead" implies overcoming resistance or difficulty, while "to move forward" is a more general term for making progress. You would use "to push ahead" when facing specific obstacles.