to push aside

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to push aside" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the act of disregarding or setting something aside, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "In order to focus on her goals, she decided to push aside any negative thoughts that were holding her back."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Scepticism is hard to push aside here.

Independent

As Amy grew up, she tried to push aside what had happened to her.

The New York Times - Magazine

Young, dynamic and clever, he is not afraid to push aside old, conservative know-nothings.

The Economist

Mr McLean had the determination to push aside the initial obstacles.

The Economist

Maman walks past Papa to push aside the table and open the door.

The New Yorker

Combat engineers would also move in to push aside barricades and other obstacles.

The New York Times

Yesterday, Dokic was in position to push aside the defending champion.

The New York Times - Sports

In places the ice was three metres thick with little open water to push aside.

The Guardian

Once in the capital, protesters may be numerous enough to push aside the obstacles placed in their way.

The Economist

The children, especially the girls, were traumatized by having to push aside others to gain a seat for themselves.

The New York Times

Barry Pepper and Will Patton ham it up as American businessmen scheming to push aside the Hawaiian monarchy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to push aside" when you want to convey the idea of overcoming obstacles or intentionally disregarding something, either physically or metaphorically. Consider the context to ensure it fits the tone and meaning you intend to communicate.

Common error

Avoid using "to push aside" too frequently in formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Opt for more precise synonyms like "disregard", "supplant", or "overcome" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to push aside" functions as a phrasal verb. It is used to describe the act of disregarding, overcoming, or physically moving something. Ludwig examples show usage across various domains, demonstrating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to push aside" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the act of disregarding, overcoming, or physically moving something. Grammatically correct and commonly used, as confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. While "to push aside" is generally appropriate, it's essential to consider the specific context and tone, opting for more formal synonyms like "to disregard", "to supplant", or "to overcome" in academic or highly formal writing. The analysis of Ludwig shows the phrase's adaptability, making it a valuable expression in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to brush aside

Implies a dismissive or casual rejection, adding a nuance of lack of seriousness.

to shrug off

Indicates a lighthearted dismissal, adding an element of nonchalance to the act of disregarding something.

to set aside

Emphasizes reserving or putting something away, which is related to displacing it from current consideration.

to dismiss

Highlights the act of rejecting or refusing to consider something, varying in its emphasis on decision-making.

to discard

Focuses on getting rid of something considered useless or unwanted, emphasizing its disposal.

to disregard

Focuses on ignoring or neglecting something, differing slightly in implying a deliberate choice to not consider something.

to reject

Emphasizes the act of refusing to accept or approve of something, differing in its focus on explicit refusal.

to displace

Directly means to move something from its place, providing a literal sense of physical removal.

to supplant

Indicates replacing something else, especially through force or strategy, providing a stronger sense of displacement.

to overcome

Focuses on successfully dealing with or surpassing an obstacle, differing in its emphasis on achievement.

FAQs

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

You can use "to push aside" to describe both physical and metaphorical actions. For example: "The protesters tried to push aside the barricades" (physical) or "She had to push aside her doubts to succeed" (metaphorical).

What's a more formal alternative to "to push aside"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "to disregard", "to supplant", or "to overcome" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "to push aside" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "to push aside" might be too informal for some academic contexts. Evaluate whether a more precise or sophisticated term like "to displace" or "to reject" would be more suitable.

What is the difference between "to brush aside" and "to push aside"?

"To brush aside" implies a dismissive or casual rejection, whereas "to push aside" suggests more effort or force in disregarding or removing something. "To brush aside" indicates a lighter, less serious dismissal compared to the more deliberate action of "to push aside".