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B1 verb (present participle) #35 most common 15 min read

pushing

Top 35

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips pushing in 30 Seconds

Explanation pushing in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'pushing' is a very simple and practical word. It usually describes a physical action that you do with your hands. For example, when you go to a shop, you might be 'pushing' a door to open it. Or, if you are at the supermarket, you are 'pushing' a cart to carry your food. It is one of the first action words you learn because it is something we do every day. You can imagine a child 'pushing' a toy car on the floor. At this level, you don't need to worry about the complicated meanings. Just remember that 'pushing' means moving something away from you using your strength. It is the opposite of 'pulling'. If a door says 'PUSH', you are 'pushing' it. If you see a friend on a swing, you might be 'pushing' them to help them go higher. It is a word about movement and simple force. You use it with 'is' or 'are', like 'I am pushing' or 'They are pushing'. It is a very useful word for describing what people are doing with their bodies and objects around them.

At the A2 level, you start to use 'pushing' for more than just heavy objects. You might use it for small things, like 'pushing a button' on a remote control or an elevator. It still means applying force, but the force is much smaller. You also begin to see 'pushing' used with people in a gentle way. For example, 'The mother is pushing the baby in the stroller.' You might also hear it in simple sports contexts, like 'pushing a ball'. At this level, you should also be aware of the basic present continuous form: 'He is pushing the bicycle because it is broken.' You are learning to describe scenes and activities in more detail. You might also encounter the word in simple instructions, like 'Keep pushing until you hear a click.' The focus remains on the physical world, but the variety of objects you can 'push' is growing. You are also becoming more comfortable with the '-ing' ending and how it shows an action that is happening right now. It is a building block for describing everyday routines and tasks.

At the B1 level, 'pushing' starts to take on metaphorical meanings. This is the level where you use it to describe effort and encouragement. For example, you might say, 'I am pushing myself to learn English every day.' This doesn't mean you are physically hitting yourself; it means you are working hard and making an effort. You might also hear about 'pushing for' something, like 'The students are pushing for a longer lunch break.' This means they are asking for it and trying to make it happen. You also learn common phrases like 'pushing your luck,' which means taking a risk. At B1, you understand that 'pushing' can describe a mental or social force, not just a physical one. You can use it to talk about your goals, your work, and your relationships. For instance, 'My parents are pushing me to go to university.' You are moving beyond simple descriptions of the physical world and starting to express more complex ideas about motivation and social pressure. You also become more aware of how prepositions like 'for', 'against', and 'through' change the meaning of the word.

At the B2 level, you use 'pushing' with more nuance and in more professional or specific contexts. You might talk about 'pushing a product' in a business meeting, meaning you are marketing it aggressively. You understand idioms like 'pushing the envelope,' which means doing something new and innovative. You can also use 'pushing' to describe trends, such as 'The rising costs are pushing people to save more money.' At this level, you are comfortable using 'pushing' as a gerund in complex sentences: 'Pushing the boundaries of modern art is what makes her work so interesting.' You also recognize the use of 'pushing' to describe age or limits, like 'He's pushing 50 and thinking about retirement.' You can distinguish between 'pushing', 'pressuring', and 'urging', and you choose the right word for the situation. Your use of 'pushing' is more precise, and you can use it to describe social movements, economic changes, and personal ambitions with confidence. You understand that 'pushing' often implies a struggle against some kind of resistance, whether it's a competitor in business or a personal habit.

At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated grasp of 'pushing' and its many idiomatic and stylistic uses. You can use it to describe subtle social dynamics, such as 'pushing someone's buttons' to provoke a reaction. You understand its use in academic and formal writing to describe the advancement of theories or the exertion of systemic pressure. For example, 'The geopolitical situation is pushing the two nations toward a conflict.' You are aware of the subtle differences in tone when using 'pushing' versus more formal synonyms like 'advocating' or 'propelling'. You can use 'pushing' in a variety of grammatical structures, including complex participle phrases: 'Pushing aside his fears, he stepped onto the stage.' You also understand the cultural weight of certain phrases, like 'pushing the boat out' (spending a lot of money) or 'pushing up daisies' (a euphemism for death). At this level, 'pushing' is a tool for expressive and nuanced communication. You can use it to create vivid imagery and to describe complex interactions between people, ideas, and forces in the world. You are sensitive to how the word can sound aggressive or encouraging depending on the context and the speaker's intent.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'pushing' is complete. You can use it with the precision of a native speaker, often using it in creative or literary ways. You might use it to describe the 'pushing' of a narrative in media criticism, or the 'pushing' of philosophical boundaries in a thesis. You understand the most obscure idioms and can use them appropriately in both formal and informal settings. You are also aware of the historical etymology of the word and how its meanings have evolved over time. You can use 'pushing' to convey subtle irony or sarcasm, such as 'Oh, he's really pushing the boundaries of laziness today.' Your understanding of the word includes its role in various dialects and registers of English. You can seamlessly integrate 'pushing' into complex rhetorical structures, using it to build arguments or describe intricate processes. Whether you are analyzing a poem, writing a legal brief, or engaging in a high-level debate, you use 'pushing' and its related forms with total accuracy and stylistic flair. You recognize that even a simple word like 'pushing' can be used to express the highest levels of human thought and emotion.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

pushing in 30 Seconds

Pushing is the act of applying force to move something away. It is used for physical objects like doors and carts.
Metaphorically, pushing means encouraging or pressuring someone to act, or working hard to promote a specific idea or policy.
It is commonly used to describe nearing a limit, such as 'pushing 40' for age or 'pushing the boundaries' for innovation.
Grammatically, it serves as a present participle for continuous actions and a gerund that can act as a noun in a sentence.

The word pushing is the present participle and gerund form of the verb 'push'. At its most fundamental level, it describes the physical act of applying steady force against an object to move it away from the source of the force. Imagine a person at a heavy revolving door; they are pushing the glass panel to enter the building. This physical manifestation is the bedrock of the word's meaning, but its utility extends far beyond the realm of physics into the complexities of human behavior, social dynamics, and even the passage of time. When we talk about pushing, we are often talking about the application of energy to overcome resistance, whether that resistance is a stuck drawer, a reluctant colleague, or a personal limitation. It is a word of action, momentum, and sometimes, imposition.

Physical Displacement: The most common use involves moving an object by exerting pressure. This can range from pushing a grocery cart through an aisle to pushing a stalled car off the road. The key is the direction of force: away from the body.

The child was pushing his toy truck across the living room carpet with great enthusiasm.

Beyond the physical, pushing is frequently used to describe psychological or social pressure. If a manager is pushing their team to meet a deadline, they are not physically touching them; rather, they are applying mental and professional pressure to increase the speed of work. This sense of 'pushing' implies a level of insistence or urgency. It can be positive, such as a coach pushing an athlete to achieve their personal best, or negative, such as a salesperson pushing a customer to buy something they do not truly need. In these contexts, pushing is synonymous with advocating, urging, or even coercing, depending on the intensity and the relationship between the parties involved.

Advocacy and Promotion: In marketing and politics, pushing refers to the active promotion of an idea, product, or policy. A lobbyist might be pushing for new environmental regulations, meaning they are working hard to ensure those regulations are adopted.

The marketing department is pushing the new software update as the ultimate solution for productivity.

Another fascinating use of pushing relates to limits and boundaries. When someone is 'pushing the envelope,' they are testing the limits of what is possible or acceptable. Similarly, when we say someone is 'pushing 40,' we mean they are approaching the age of forty. In this sense, 'pushing' conveys a sense of nearing a threshold or a boundary. It suggests a movement toward a specific point, often one that carries significance or a degree of resistance. Whether it is pushing the limits of technology or pushing the boundaries of traditional art, the word captures the essence of expansion and the challenging of the status quo.

The scientists are pushing the boundaries of quantum computing with their latest experiment.

Approaching a Limit: Used colloquially to describe nearing a certain age or quantity. 'He's pushing sixty' means he is nearly sixty years old.

With all those extra features, the price of the car is pushing fifty thousand dollars.

In conclusion, pushing is a versatile verb form that transitions seamlessly from the physical world to the abstract. It encompasses the act of moving objects, the exertion of influence, the promotion of ideas, and the nearing of limits. Its usage reflects our constant interaction with the world around us—how we move through it, how we influence others, and how we navigate the boundaries of our existence. Understanding the nuances of 'pushing' allows for more precise communication, whether you are describing a physical struggle or a subtle social maneuver.

Stop pushing me to make a decision before I am ready.

Using pushing correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical roles as both a present participle (used in continuous tenses) and a gerund (acting as a noun). Because it is a verb of action and direction, it often pairs with prepositions that clarify the target or the goal of the action. When you use 'pushing' in the present continuous tense, you are describing an action that is currently in progress. For example, 'She is pushing the swing' tells us what is happening right now. As a gerund, 'pushing' can serve as the subject or object of a sentence, such as in 'Pushing the heavy box was difficult,' where the act of pushing itself is the focus.

Continuous Tense Usage: Describes an ongoing action. Often requires an auxiliary verb like 'am', 'is', or 'are'. Example: 'They are pushing for better working conditions.'

The crowd was pushing against the barriers to get a better view of the stage.

One of the most common sentence patterns involves 'pushing' followed by a direct object. This object is the thing or person receiving the force. However, when 'pushing' is used metaphorically, it is often followed by the preposition 'for'. 'Pushing for' indicates advocacy or a request for something to happen. For instance, 'The community is pushing for a new park.' Here, the community isn't physically moving a park; they are campaigning for its creation. Conversely, 'pushing against' suggests resistance to an idea or a force. 'The employees are pushing against the new policy' means they are opposing it. Understanding these prepositional pairings is crucial for conveying the intended meaning.

Pushing + Prepositions: 'Pushing for' (advocating), 'Pushing against' (resisting), 'Pushing through' (persisting), 'Pushing away' (rejecting).

Despite the exhaustion, the marathon runner kept pushing through the final mile.

In idiomatic expressions, 'pushing' often takes on specific structures. When describing age, the pattern is 'pushing + [age]'. 'She is pushing 30' is a complete thought indicating she is nearly 30. In the idiom 'pushing your luck,' the word 'pushing' acts as a verb meaning to take an unnecessary risk. In the phrase 'pushing up daisies,' it is part of a euphemism for being dead. These idiomatic uses are fixed and should be learned as whole units. They add color and nuance to your English, allowing you to express complex ideas with simple, common words.

You've already been late three times this week; you're really pushing your luck with the boss.

Idiomatic Patterns: Common idioms include 'pushing the envelope', 'pushing buttons', and 'pushing the boat out'. Each has a unique meaning beyond the literal.

He knows exactly which comments are pushing my buttons and making me angry.

Finally, consider the use of 'pushing' in professional or academic writing. While often considered a simple word, it can be used effectively to describe trends or pressures. For example, 'Market forces are pushing prices higher' is a concise way to describe economic inflation. In academic contexts, you might see 'pushing' used to describe the advancement of a theory: 'The researcher is pushing the boundaries of traditional linguistics.' In these cases, 'pushing' conveys a sense of dynamic progress and the challenging of established norms. It is a powerful tool for describing change and movement in any field.

The government is pushing a new legislative agenda focused on renewable energy.

The word pushing is ubiquitous in daily life, appearing in environments ranging from the local gym to high-stakes corporate boardrooms. In a physical setting, like a fitness center, you will hear it constantly. Personal trainers shout, 'Keep pushing!' to encourage clients to finish a set of repetitions. Here, it signifies the exertion of physical strength against resistance, such as a barbell or a weighted sled. In this context, 'pushing' is synonymous with effort and perseverance. It is a motivational term used to drive someone toward their physical limits. You might also hear it in sports, where a team is 'pushing the pace' to tire out their opponents.

Fitness and Sports: Used to encourage maximum physical effort. 'Pushing through the pain' is a common (though sometimes controversial) phrase in athletic training.

The coach was pushing the players to run faster during the final minutes of practice.

In the business world, 'pushing' takes on a more metaphorical but equally intense meaning. Sales managers talk about 'pushing a product' to meet quarterly targets. This doesn't mean physically moving boxes; it means using aggressive marketing and sales tactics to persuade customers to buy. Similarly, you might hear about a company 'pushing for a merger' or 'pushing a new initiative.' In these scenarios, 'pushing' represents the application of professional influence and resources to achieve a specific organizational goal. It often implies a sense of urgency and a desire to overcome institutional or market resistance.

Corporate and Sales: Refers to aggressive promotion or the pursuit of business objectives. 'Pushing a deadline' means trying to move it or working hard to meet it.

Our team is pushing the new subscription model to all our existing clients.

In news and media, 'pushing' is frequently used to describe political and social movements. You might read that a group is 'pushing for legislative reform' or that a country is 'pushing back' against international sanctions. Here, the word captures the dynamic struggle between different forces in society. It highlights the active nature of advocacy and the resistance it often encounters. Whether it is a grassroots organization pushing for environmental protection or a government pushing a controversial new law, the word 'pushing' conveys the energy and conflict inherent in public life.

Activists are pushing for a complete ban on single-use plastics in the city.

News and Politics: Describes the efforts of groups to influence policy or public opinion. 'Pushing a narrative' refers to promoting a specific interpretation of events.

The opposition party is pushing back against the proposed tax increases.

Finally, 'pushing' is a staple of casual conversation, particularly when discussing personal boundaries or age. If a friend is being too inquisitive, you might say, 'You're pushing your luck,' or 'Stop pushing me for answers.' It’s also the standard way to describe someone nearing a milestone age, as in 'He's pushing fifty.' This casual usage makes the word approachable and essential for natural-sounding English. From the physical to the metaphorical, 'pushing' is a word that helps us describe the various ways we apply force, pressure, and effort in our lives.

I think the temperature is pushing forty degrees Celsius today; it's incredibly hot.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with pushing is confusing it with its opposite, 'pulling'. While this seems basic, in the heat of the moment—especially when encountering a door—it is easy to mix them up. Remember: pushing is force moving away from you, while pulling is force moving toward you. This distinction is vital not just for doors, but for understanding metaphorical expressions. For example, 'pushing someone away' means rejecting them, whereas 'pulling someone in' means attracting or involving them. Misusing these can lead to the exact opposite of your intended meaning.

Pushing vs. Pulling: Push = Away. Pull = Toward. This applies to physical objects, people, and abstract concepts like ideas or emotions.

Incorrect: He was pushing the rope toward himself. Correct: He was pulling the rope toward himself.

Another common error involves the misuse of prepositions. Learners often say 'pushing to' when they mean 'pushing for'. If you are advocating for a change, the correct phrase is 'pushing for a change'. Using 'to' might make the sentence grammatically awkward or change the meaning entirely. Similarly, 'pushing through' is used for persisting in a difficult situation, while 'pushing on' is used for continuing a journey or a task. Getting these prepositions wrong can make your English sound unnatural. It is helpful to memorize 'pushing' as part of these prepositional phrases rather than as a standalone word.

Preposition Pitfalls: Always use 'pushing for' for advocacy. Use 'pushing through' for endurance. Use 'pushing against' for opposition.

Incorrect: They are pushing to a new law. Correct: They are pushing for a new law.

A more subtle mistake is using 'pushing' when 'pressuring' or 'forcing' would be more accurate. While 'pushing' can mean applying pressure, it often implies a more persistent, perhaps less intense effort than 'forcing'. If you say 'He is pushing me to go,' it sounds like he is encouraging or nagging you. If you say 'He is forcing me to go,' it implies you have no choice. Using 'pushing' when the situation is actually coercive can downplay the severity of the action. Conversely, using 'forcing' for a simple encouragement can make the speaker sound overly dramatic. Choosing the right level of intensity is key to clear communication.

The salesman wasn't just pushing the product; he was practically forcing us to sign the contract.

Intensity and Nuance: Pushing = Persistent encouragement or pressure. Pressuring = Stronger, often uncomfortable influence. Forcing = Compelling action with no choice.

Don't say 'He is pushing me' if someone is physically hurting you; use more specific verbs like 'shoving' or 'attacking'.

Finally, be careful with the gerund form. Sometimes learners forget that 'pushing' can act as a noun. For example, 'The pushing in the crowd was dangerous.' Here, 'pushing' is the subject. Some might try to use the noun 'push' instead ('The push in the crowd...'), which is also correct but often refers to a single instance of force, whereas 'pushing' refers to the continuous or repeated action. Understanding when to use the continuous gerund form versus the simple noun can help you describe situations more vividly and accurately.

Constant pushing from the management led to high levels of employee burnout.

While pushing is a versatile and common word, English offers many alternatives that can provide more specific meaning or a different tone. If you are describing a physical action, 'shoving' implies a more sudden, forceful, and often rude movement. 'Thrusting' suggests a powerful, forward motion, often with a pointed object or a specific part of the body. 'Propelling' is a more technical term, often used for machines or forces that move something forward, like a jet engine propelling a plane. Choosing one of these over 'pushing' can make your descriptions more vivid and precise.

Physical Alternatives: Shoving (rude/forceful), Thrusting (sudden/powerful), Propelling (mechanical/driving), Nudging (gentle/slight).

Instead of pushing the door, he gave it a gentle nudge with his shoulder.

In metaphorical contexts, the alternatives are even more varied. If you are 'pushing' an idea, you might instead say you are 'advocating' for it, which sounds more professional and intellectual. If you are 'pushing' someone to do something, you could be 'urging', 'encouraging', or 'prompting' them. 'Urging' suggests a sense of importance or necessity, while 'encouraging' is more positive and supportive. 'Prompting' implies a subtle reminder. On the more negative side, 'pressuring' or 'coercing' are stronger alternatives to 'pushing' when the influence is unwanted or excessive. These synonyms allow you to tailor your language to the specific social situation.

Metaphorical Alternatives: Advocating (supporting an idea), Urging (strongly suggesting), Encouraging (positive support), Pressuring (uncomfortable influence).

The doctor was pushing—or rather, urging—the patient to quit smoking for the sake of his health.

When talking about limits, 'pushing' can be replaced by 'testing' or 'challenging'. 'Pushing the boundaries' is very similar to 'challenging the status quo' or 'testing the limits'. If you are 'pushing 40', you are 'nearing' or 'approaching' 40. These alternatives can help you avoid repeating 'pushing' too often in a single piece of writing. Furthermore, 'stretching' is a great alternative when describing the expansion of resources or abilities, as in 'stretching the budget' instead of 'pushing the budget to its limit'. Each of these words carries a slightly different connotation that can enrich your expression.

The athlete is pushing her limits, or more accurately, testing her endurance in the high-altitude training.

Limit-Related Alternatives: Testing (evaluating limits), Challenging (questioning boundaries), Nearing (getting close to), Stretching (extending resources).

The company is pushing the envelope, which is another way of saying they are being incredibly innovative.

In summary, while 'pushing' is a fantastic all-purpose word, being aware of its synonyms allows for greater nuance. Whether you want to sound more professional (advocating), more descriptive (shoving), or more precise about limits (nearing), there is almost always a word that can complement or replace 'pushing' to better suit your needs. Expanding your vocabulary in this way is a hallmark of moving from intermediate to advanced English proficiency.

The wind was pushing the boat toward the rocks, or rather, propelling it with dangerous force.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'pulse' (as in your heartbeat) comes from the same Latin root 'pulsare'. Your heart is essentially 'pushing' blood through your body in a rhythmic, striking motion.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈpʊʃ.ɪŋ/

US /ˈpʊʃ.ɪŋ/

The stress is on the first syllable: PUSH-ing.

Rhymes With

cushion (near rhyme) bushel (near rhyme) rushing brushing flushing gushing blushing crushing

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'u' like 'oo' in 'food'. It should be like 'u' in 'full'.
Dropping the 'g' at the end (pushin'), which is common in informal speech but should be avoided in formal contexts.
Over-emphasizing the 'sh' sound.
Confusing the vowel sound with 'pashing' (Australian slang) or 'poshing'.
Making the 'i' in 'ing' too long, like 'ee'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in most contexts, though idioms can be tricky.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of correct prepositions (for, against, through).

Speaking 2/5

Common in daily speech; pronunciation is straightforward.

Listening 2/5

Clearly audible, though 'pushing' and 'pulling' can sound similar in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

push move force door help

Learn Next

pressuring advocating propelling resistance momentum

Advanced

coercion advocacy impetus exertion encroachment

Grammar to Know

Present Continuous Tense

She is pushing the swing.

Gerund as Subject

Pushing the car was exhausting.

Gerund after Prepositions

He is tired of pushing the heavy cart.

Participle Phrases

Pushing the door open, she entered the room.

Verbs followed by Gerunds

They kept pushing for more information.

Examples by Level

She is pushing the door.

Elle pousse la porte.

Present continuous: subject + is + verb-ing.

He is pushing the cart.

Il pousse le chariot.

Direct object 'the cart' follows the verb.

The boy is pushing his toy.

Le garçon pousse son jouet.

Possessive adjective 'his' used with the object.

Are you pushing the button?

Est-ce que tu pousses le bouton ?

Question form of the present continuous.

They are pushing the table.

Ils poussent la table.

Plural subject 'they' with 'are'.

Stop pushing me!

Arrête de me pousser !

Imperative 'stop' followed by the gerund.

I am pushing the swing.

Je pousse la balançoire.

First person singular 'I am'.

The cat is pushing the ball.

Le chat pousse la balle.

Simple subject-verb-object structure.

She is pushing the baby in the stroller.

Elle pousse le bébé dans la poussette.

Prepositional phrase 'in the stroller' adds detail.

He is pushing the bicycle up the hill.

Il pousse le vélo en haut de la colline.

Directional phrase 'up the hill'.

We are pushing the car to the garage.

Nous poussons la voiture jusqu'au garage.

Destination 'to the garage'.

The worker is pushing a heavy box.

L'ouvrier pousse une boîte lourde.

Adjective 'heavy' modifying the object.

Is he pushing the elevator button?

Est-ce qu'il pousse le bouton de l'ascenseur ?

Specific object 'elevator button'.

The wind is pushing the leaves.

Le vent pousse les feuilles.

Non-human subject 'the wind'.

She kept pushing the door, but it was locked.

Elle a continué à pousser la porte, mais elle était verrouillée.

Verb 'kept' followed by the gerund.

They are pushing the boat into the water.

Ils poussent le bateau dans l'eau.

Directional preposition 'into'.

I am pushing myself to finish the project.

Je me force à finir le projet.

Reflexive pronoun 'myself' indicates personal effort.

The team is pushing for a better result.

L'équipe fait des efforts pour un meilleur résultat.

'Pushing for' means advocating or striving.

Stop pushing your luck with the teacher.

Arrête de tenter ta chance avec le professeur.

Idiom 'pushing your luck'.

They are pushing for new rules in the office.

Ils demandent de nouvelles règles au bureau.

'Pushing for' used for organizational change.

He is pushing 40 and wants to change careers.

Il approche de la quarantaine et veut changer de carrière.

'Pushing [age]' means nearing that age.

The coach is pushing the athletes to train harder.

L'entraîneur pousse les athlètes à s'entraîner plus dur.

Pushing + object + to-infinitive.

She is pushing against the idea of moving house.

Elle s'oppose à l'idée de déménager.

'Pushing against' means resisting.

We are pushing through the difficult times.

Nous traversons les moments difficiles avec détermination.

'Pushing through' means persevering.

The company is pushing a new marketing strategy.

L'entreprise lance une nouvelle stratégie marketing.

'Pushing' used as 'promoting aggressively'.

Scientists are pushing the boundaries of technology.

Les scientifiques repoussent les limites de la technologie.

Common collocation 'pushing the boundaries'.

You are really pushing my buttons today!

Tu me tapes vraiment sur les nerfs aujourd'hui !

Idiom 'pushing someone's buttons'.

The government is pushing for legislative reform.

Le gouvernement fait pression pour une réforme législative.

Formal use of 'pushing for'.

He is pushing the envelope with his latest design.

Il repousse les limites avec son dernier design.

Idiom 'pushing the envelope'.

Market forces are pushing prices higher.

Les forces du marché font grimper les prix.

Abstract subject 'market forces'.

The activist is pushing back against the new law.

L'activiste s'oppose à la nouvelle loi.

Phrasal verb 'pushing back'.

She is pushing for a promotion after three years.

Elle demande une promotion après trois ans.

Using 'pushing for' in a career context.

The researcher is pushing the frontiers of medical science.

Le chercheur repousse les frontières de la science médicale.

Formal collocation 'pushing the frontiers'.

They are pushing a narrative that ignores the facts.

Ils imposent un récit qui ignore les faits.

'Pushing a narrative' implies manipulation.

Pushing aside his doubts, he accepted the challenge.

Mettant de côté ses doutes, il a accepté le défi.

Participle phrase at the beginning of a sentence.

The city is pushing the boat out for the festival.

La ville met les petits plats dans les grands pour le festival.

Idiom 'pushing the boat out' (spending/celebrating).

He was accused of pushing drugs in the neighborhood.

Il a été accusé de vendre de la drogue dans le quartier.

Slang/legal use: 'pushing' as selling illegal goods.

The constant pushing for results led to burnout.

La pression constante pour obtenir des résultats a mené à l'épuisement.

Gerund 'pushing' as the subject of the sentence.

She is pushing 90 but still walks every morning.

Elle approche les 90 ans mais marche encore chaque matin.

Informal use for advanced age.

The wind was pushing the ship off its course.

Le vent déviait le navire de sa course.

Describing physical force in a narrative.

The author is pushing the boundaries of the genre.

L'auteur repousse les limites du genre.

Literary/critical context.

His relentless pushing of the agenda alienated his peers.

Son imposition acharnée de l'ordre du jour a aliéné ses pairs.

Gerund phrase with a possessive 'his relentless pushing'.

The economy is pushing toward a state of equilibrium.

Abstract movement in technical writing.

She felt as though life were pushing her into a corner.

Elle avait l'impression que la vie la poussait dans ses retranchements.

Metaphorical use in a subjunctive structure.

The film is pushing a very specific ideological viewpoint.

Le film véhicule un point de vue idéologique très précis.

'Pushing' as promoting a worldview.

Pushing the limits of human endurance is the goal of the trek.

Repousser les limites de l'endurance humaine est le but de la randonnée.

Gerund phrase as the subject.

He is pushing up daisies now, so he won't be coming.

Il mange les pissenlits par la racine maintenant, donc il ne viendra pas.

Humorous/dark idiom for death.

The waves were pushing the debris onto the shore.

Les vagues rejetaient les débris sur le rivage.

Natural force in a descriptive passage.

Common Collocations

pushing the boundaries

pushing for change

pushing your luck

pushing the envelope

pushing 40/50/60

pushing buttons

pushing through the crowd

pushing a product

pushing back a deadline

pushing the pace

Common Phrases

Keep pushing!

— An encouraging phrase used to tell someone to continue their effort. Often heard in gyms or during difficult tasks.

You're almost at the finish line, keep pushing!

Pushing daisies

— A humorous or lighthearted way to say that someone is dead and buried. It is a euphemism.

Old man Miller has been pushing up daisies for five years now.

Pushing it

— To be nearing a limit, whether it's a speed limit, a deadline, or someone's patience. It implies a risk.

If you drive any faster, you're really pushing it.

Pushing for more

— To be unsatisfied with the current situation and demanding more. Often used in negotiations.

The union is pushing for more vacation days.

Pushing aside

— To ignore or dismiss something, like a feeling or an idea, to focus on something else.

She is pushing aside her worries to focus on the exam.

Pushing forward

— To continue making progress despite difficulties or opposition. It shows determination.

Despite the setbacks, the company is pushing forward with the plan.

Pushing the boat out

— To spend a lot of money on a celebration or to do something in a very grand way.

They really pushed the boat out for their daughter's wedding.

Pushing a button

— The literal act of pressing a switch, but also used to mean doing something very easily.

With modern technology, ordering food is as easy as pushing a button.

Pushing the limits

— To try to do something that is almost impossible or to go as far as one can go.

Extreme athletes are always pushing the limits of the human body.

Pushing back

— To resist or oppose a plan, idea, or person. It can also mean rescheduling something to a later time.

The staff is pushing back against the new office hours.

Often Confused With

pushing vs pulling

The opposite direction of force. Pushing is away; pulling is toward.

pushing vs pressuring

More specific to psychological influence. Pushing is broader.

pushing vs shoving

A more violent or sudden form of pushing.

Idioms & Expressions

"Pushing the envelope"

— To go beyond the established limits; to be innovative or daring. Originally from aviation.

The new smartphone is really pushing the envelope with its holographic display.

neutral

"Pushing up daisies"

— A euphemism for being dead. It suggests that the person is buried and helping flowers grow.

I'll be pushing up daisies by the time that bridge is finished.

informal/humorous

"Pushing your luck"

— To take a risk because you have been successful so far, but you might fail if you continue.

You've escaped punishment twice, but don't push your luck a third time.

informal

"Pushing buttons"

— To intentionally do or say things that you know will annoy or upset someone.

My little brother knows exactly which buttons to push to make me scream.

informal

"Pushing the boat out"

— To be very generous or spend a lot of money on a special occasion.

We're pushing the boat out for our anniversary and staying at a five-star hotel.

informal (UK)

"Pushing water uphill"

— To try to do something that is extremely difficult or impossible because of the circumstances.

Trying to get him to change his mind is like pushing water uphill.

informal

"Pushing the panic button"

— To react to a situation with sudden and often unnecessary fear or alarm.

There's no need to push the panic button; it's just a small technical glitch.

neutral

"Pushing paper"

— To do boring, routine office work that involves a lot of documents but little real impact.

I spent the whole day just pushing paper and didn't achieve anything useful.

informal/derogatory

"Pushing the wrong buttons"

— To accidentally offend or annoy someone by saying the wrong thing.

I think I was pushing the wrong buttons when I mentioned her ex-husband.

informal

"Pushing 40/50/etc."

— To be nearly a certain age. It implies that the person is getting older.

He's pushing 50, but he still has the energy of a teenager.

informal

Easily Confused

pushing vs shoving

Both involve moving something away with force.

Shoving is usually faster, more aggressive, and often considered rude. Pushing can be gentle or steady.

He was pushing the cart slowly, but someone shoved him out of the way.

pushing vs nudging

Both are forms of pushing.

Nudging is a very light, gentle push, often with the elbow or shoulder, to get attention. Pushing is more general.

She nudged me to wake me up while the teacher was pushing for an answer.

pushing vs thrusting

Both involve forward movement.

Thrusting is a sudden, powerful, and often sharp movement. Pushing is more about sustained force.

He was pushing the heavy box, while the fencer was thrusting his sword.

pushing vs forcing

Both imply making something happen.

Forcing implies no choice and high intensity. Pushing implies effort and influence but not necessarily total control.

They are pushing for a change, but they aren't forcing anyone to agree yet.

pushing vs propelling

Both involve moving an object forward.

Propelling is often used for mechanical or scientific contexts involving a driving force. Pushing is more everyday.

The wind was pushing the boat, while the engine was propelling the ship.

Sentence Patterns

Subject + is + pushing + object.

He is pushing the door.

Subject + is + pushing + object + prepositional phrase.

She is pushing the baby in the park.

Subject + is + pushing + for + noun.

We are pushing for a holiday.

Subject + is + pushing + [age].

My dad is pushing 60.

Subject + is + pushing + the boundaries of + noun.

The company is pushing the boundaries of design.

Pushing + aside + object, Subject + verb.

Pushing aside his fear, he jumped.

The + adjective + pushing + of + noun...

The relentless pushing of the agenda was tiring.

Subject + is + pushing + a + adjective + narrative.

The media is pushing a dangerous political narrative.

Word Family

Nouns

push

pusher

pushiness

push-up

Verbs

push

pushed

Adjectives

pushy

pushed

pushable

push-button

push-start

pushchair

push-pull

pushover

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written English.

Common Mistakes

Using 'pushing' instead of 'pulling' for a door. → Pulling the door.
This is a classic mistake. Always check the sign on the door! Pushing moves it away; pulling moves it toward you.
Saying 'pushing to' a new law. → Pushing for a new law.
When you want something to happen, the correct preposition is 'for'. 'Pushing to' is grammatically incomplete.
Saying 'He is pushing at 50'. → He is pushing 50.
When talking about age, you don't need a preposition. Just use the number directly after 'pushing'.
Using 'pushing' when someone is being physically violent. → Shoving or attacking.
'Pushing' can be too mild. If the action is aggressive or harmful, use a more specific and stronger verb.
Confusing 'pushing through' with 'pushing over'. → Pushing through the crowd.
'Pushing through' means moving through something. 'Pushing over' means making something fall down. They are very different!

Tips

Use the right preposition

Remember: 'pushing for' (advocating), 'pushing against' (resisting), 'pushing through' (persisting). Getting these right is key to being understood.

Learn the age idiom

'Pushing [age]' is a very common and natural way to talk about getting older. It's much more common in casual speech than 'approaching the age of'.

Be careful with 'pushy'

While 'pushing' can be positive, the adjective 'pushy' is almost always negative. It describes someone who is too aggressive or demanding.

Gym motivation

If you want to sound like a native speaker at the gym, use 'Keep pushing!' to encourage your workout partner. It's the standard motivational phrase.

Vivid descriptions

In creative writing, use 'pushing' to show effort. 'He was pushing against the wind' is more descriptive than 'He was walking in the wind'.

Marketing talk

In business, 'pushing a product' is common. However, if you want to sound more strategic, use 'promoting' or 'positioning' instead.

Listen for 'push back'

When you hear 'push back' in a meeting, it means someone is disagreeing or wants to delay a task. It's a very common corporate term.

Envelope origins

Remember that 'pushing the envelope' comes from aviation. It refers to the 'flight envelope' or the safe limits of an aircraft.

The short 'u'

Practice the short 'u' sound. It's the same as in 'book', 'look', and 'foot'. Don't let it become a long 'oo' sound.

Global use

'Pushing' is understood everywhere English is spoken, but some idioms like 'pushing the boat out' are more common in the UK and Australia.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'PUSH' sign on a door. When you are PUSH-ing, you are putting your P-alm on the door to move it U-nder S-ome H-eavy force.

Visual Association

Imagine a person pushing a heavy boulder up a hill (like Sisyphus). This captures the physical effort and the metaphorical struggle of 'pushing through' something difficult.

Word Web

force effort movement pressure promotion age limits resistance

Challenge

Try to use 'pushing' in three different ways in one paragraph: one physical, one metaphorical (advocacy), and one related to age or limits.

Word Origin

The word 'pushing' comes from the verb 'push', which has its roots in Middle English 'pusshen'. This was derived from the Old French word 'pousser', which in turn came from the Latin 'pulsare'. The Latin 'pulsare' is a frequentative form of 'pellere', meaning 'to drive' or 'to strike'.

Original meaning: The original meaning in Latin was to strike, beat, or knock repeatedly. This evolved into the sense of driving or thrusting something forward.

Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > French > Germanic (English influence).

Cultural Context

Be careful using 'pushing' when describing interactions with people, as it can imply physical aggression or unwanted pressure. 'Pushing drugs' is a specific criminal term.

In the UK, 'pushing the boat out' is a common way to talk about spending money. In the US, 'pushing the envelope' is more frequent in business and tech.

The myth of Sisyphus (pushing a boulder). The song 'Push It' by Salt-N-Pepa. The movie 'Pushing Tin' about air traffic controllers.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Gym

Keep pushing!
Pushing through the last set.
Pushing your limits.
Pushing the weight.

In the Office

Pushing for a deadline.
Pushing a new project.
Pushing for a promotion.
Pushing back the meeting.

Shopping

Pushing the cart.
Pushing the door.
Pushing for a discount.
Pushing through the crowd.

Social Situations

Pushing my buttons.
Pushing your luck.
Pushing someone away.
Pushing for an answer.

Discussing Age

Pushing 40.
Pushing 80.
Pushing retirement age.
Pushing the century mark.

Conversation Starters

"Do you think people are pushing themselves too hard in modern society?"

"Have you ever had to keep pushing through a really difficult situation?"

"What kind of changes are people pushing for in your city right now?"

"Do you know anyone who is pushing 100 years old?"

"What is one thing that really starts pushing your buttons?"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time you were pushing for something you really wanted. Did you get it?

Describe a physical activity where you were pushing your limits. How did it feel?

Reflect on whether you are 'pushing' or 'pulling' in your current relationships.

What are some boundaries you think society should stop pushing?

How do you feel about the idea of 'pushing' a product or an idea to others?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'pushing' can also be a gerund, which acts as a noun. For example, in 'Pushing is not allowed,' it is the subject of the sentence. It can also be used as a participle adjective in some contexts, though this is less common than its verb or noun roles.

It means the person is nearly 40 years old. It's an informal way to describe someone approaching a milestone age. You can use it for any age, like 'pushing 20' or 'pushing 80'. It suggests the person is getting close to that number.

Yes, but be careful. Physically pushing someone can be seen as aggressive. Metaphorically, 'pushing someone' to do something means encouraging or pressuring them. Context determines if it is a positive or negative action.

'Pushing for' means you want something to happen and are working to make it so (advocacy). 'Pushing against' means you are resisting or opposing something that is already happening or being proposed.

Yes, it is very common in business, technology, and the arts. It means to go beyond established limits or to be very innovative. It's a positive way to describe someone who is daring and creative.

The 'u' is pronounced like the 'u' in 'full' or 'put'. It is a short, rounded sound. Avoid pronouncing it like the 'u' in 'blue' or 'tube', which is a longer 'oo' sound.

Yes, in a slang or legal context, 'pushing' (or being a 'pusher') refers to the act of selling illegal drugs. This is a very specific and negative use of the word.

It means you are taking a risk because you have been lucky so far, but you might fail if you keep going. It's often used as a warning to someone who is being too bold or greedy.

The physical opposite is 'pulling'. In a metaphorical sense, the opposite could be 'resisting', 'withdrawing', or 'deterring', depending on the context of the effort being made.

It is a neutral word that can be used in any setting. However, some of its idiomatic uses (like 'pushing 40' or 'pushing your luck') are informal. In formal writing, you might choose 'advocating' or 'promoting' instead of 'pushing' for an idea.