was pushed through

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'was pushed through' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when talking about a situation in which something was forced to pass or be approved even though it may have been opposed. For example: "The controversial new law was pushed through despite objections from civil rights groups."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And they may have had a point, but it was pushed through regardless.

The Guardian

My food was pushed through a slot.

The Guardian - Opinion

I was pushed through an open door.

The Guardian - Opinion

Her friend, Ginnie, was pushed through a shop window.

The Guardian - Arts

Just before Christmas 2003, new insolvency legislation was pushed through, inspired by America's Chapter 11.

The Economist

That law was pushed through by the government then led by the Social Democrats and Greens.

The New York Times

A "strategic entities foreign-investment law" was pushed through, tightening approval procedures.

The Economist

The project was pushed through by covert manipulation and aggressive behaviour, the inquiry said.

The Guardian

But the change was pushed through after criticism from the European court of human rights.

The Guardian

She was pushed through the division lobbies in a wheelchair by Labour colleague Clive Lewis.

The Guardian

Unctad calculates that around $7tn of that was pushed through to emerging markets.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was pushed through" when you want to convey that something was approved or implemented quickly, potentially over objections or without thorough consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "was pushed through" in situations where a more neutral term like "was approved" or "was implemented" would be more appropriate, as it can imply a negative connotation of forcefulness or lack of due process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was pushed through" functions as a passive construction, indicating that an action was performed on a particular subject. Ludwig AI shows that this construction is commonly used to describe how a law, policy, or agreement was enacted or approved.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was pushed through" is a common and grammatically sound passive construction used to describe something that has been approved or implemented, often with the implication of haste, forcefulness, or controversy. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across various domains, with a strong presence in news and media. When writing, be mindful of the slightly negative connotation it carries and consider whether a more neutral term like "was approved" or "was implemented" might be more appropriate depending on your intended meaning and the context of your writing. Using the phrase correctly allows you to convey not just the action of something being approved, but also the potential circumstances surrounding that approval.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was passed

Refers specifically to the approval of legislation or a proposal, often by a vote.

was enacted

Implies a formal process of making a law or rule, suggesting a more official and less forceful action.

was implemented

Focuses on the execution and practical application of a plan or decision.

was rammed through

Similar to "railroaded", but perhaps even more forceful and blatant.

was approved

Highlights the act of giving consent or authorization, emphasizing agreement.

was steamrolled

Conveys a sense of overwhelming force, implying that opposition was crushed.

was railroaded

Suggests an unfair or rushed process, implying that opposition was ignored or suppressed.

was fast-tracked

Similar to "expedited", suggesting a quick and efficient process.

was expedited

Implies that a process was sped up, but not necessarily against opposition.

was adopted

Emphasizes the acceptance and integration of something new.

FAQs

How can I use "was pushed through" in a sentence?

You can use "was pushed through" to describe a law, deal, or decision that was approved or implemented quickly and perhaps controversially. For example: "The new policy "was pushed through" despite concerns from many employees."

What does "was pushed through" imply?

"Was pushed through" suggests that something was approved or implemented with some level of forcefulness, possibly over objections or without extensive debate. It often implies a lack of transparency or due process.

What are some alternatives to "was pushed through"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "was enacted", "was approved", "was implemented", or "was passed". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "was pushed through" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "was pushed through" carries a slightly negative connotation and might be perceived as less formal. Consider using a more neutral alternative like "was approved" or "was implemented" in formal contexts unless you intend to convey the sense of forcefulness or controversy.