PUSH FORWARD

"To push forward in life is to embrace each challenge as a stepping stone toward greater wisdom and fulfillment."

📖 Definition

To continue moving ahead or making progress, especially in the face of obstacles or difficulties; to persevere and advance.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

To continue moving ahead or making progress, especially in the face of obstacles or difficulties; to persevere and advance.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
The verb and particles always appear together; cannot be split.
Register
Neutral
Used in both formal and informal contexts without appearing out of place.
Transitive
No
Does not need a direct object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple push forward We must push forward to meet our deadline.
Past Simple pushed forward They pushed forward despite the harsh weather.
Present Continuous pushing forward She is pushing forward with her studies.
Present Perfect have pushed forward We have pushed forward on the project despite setbacks.

💡 When to Use

Facing challenges
Use when describing the action of continuing despite obstacles or difficulties.
Example: "They pushed forward to complete the mission despite the hurdles."
Making progress
Appropriate when referring to advancing in a project or endeavor over time.
Example: "The team pushed forward to finish the project before the deadline."
Persevering through hardships
Employ when discussing persistent effort despite hardship or adversity.
Example: "She pushed forward in her career despite facing numerous challenges."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using with direct object
❌ Wrong: She pushed forward the task.
✅ Correct: She pushed forward with the task.
💡 Tip: Remember, 'push forward' doesn't take a direct object.
Using in a non-progressive context
❌ Wrong: They pushed forward in steady weather.
✅ Correct: They moved forward in steady weather.
💡 Tip: Reserve 'push forward' for challenging contexts.
Incorrect tense
❌ Wrong: We push forwarded last year.
✅ Correct: We pushed forward last year.
💡 Tip: Ensure correct verb conjugation for past forms.
Practice

PUSH FORWARD - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

  • 1
    Listen to example

    Despite the setbacks, her resolve to push forward remained unshaken.

    TV The Magic Box
  • 2
    Listen to example

    They pushed forward with their research, eager to discover groundbreaking results.

    TV The Magic Box
  • 3
    Listen to example

    The explorers pushed forward, determined to reach the summit despite the storm.

    TV The Magic Box

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

advance persevere

Antonyms

retreat

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"In the face of adversity, she chose to ___ forward and achieve success."

pull
push forward
retreat
delay

Frequently Asked Questions about Push Forward

What is the origin of push forward?

+
The phrasal verb 'push forward' likely originates from the literal sense of physically pushing something to make it move. Over time, it evolved to describe advancing or persevering in the face of challenges, combining the meanings of 'push' and 'forward'.

Can push forward be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
'Push forward' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings. It aptly describes perseverance and progress in various scenarios, making it suitable for professional communications and casual conversations alike.

What is the difference between push forward and advance?

+
'Push forward' implies confronting difficulties while progressing, highlighting effort and determination. 'Advance' is a broader term for moving ahead or making progress, often without the connotation of facing challenges. Both terms are similar but used in different contexts.
Browse All TV The Magic Box Phrasal Verbs
Human Communication Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



0%
Scroll to Top