What does the phrasal verb “push ahead” mean?

What are the definitions of “push ahead”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. To continue or proceed with something despite obstacles or opposition.

  Government pushes ahead with plan.

• 2. Continue or proceed with something despite difficulties or opposition.

  The Government is pushing ahead with plans to make it easier for individuals to bring group legal actions against companies found to have engaged in price-fixing.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “push ahead”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb push ahead is to continue or proceed with something despite obstacles, difficulties, or opposition. It often refers to moving forward with a plan, project, or idea even when facing challenges.

What are the different verb forms of “push ahead”?

Root Verb	push ahead
Third Person Singular Present	pushes ahead
Present Participle	pushing ahead
Simple Past	pushed ahead
Past Participle	pushed ahead

Example

We need to push ahead with the project, even though we have encountered some problems.

Example

She pushes ahead with her studies despite the challenges.

Example

They are pushing ahead with the construction, despite the bad weather.

Example

He pushed ahead with his plans, even though his friends advised against it.

Example

The company pushed ahead with the new product launch, despite the negative feedback.

What kind of phrasal verb is “push ahead”?

📝

Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Intransitive verb

“push ahead” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.

Example

We must push ahead with the project.

Example

She pushed ahead despite the difficulties.

📝

Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“push ahead” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

We must push ahead with the project.

Example

She pushed ahead despite the difficulties.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “push ahead”?

Push ahead with a plan

To continue working on a plan or project, even when facing challenges or opposition.

Example

The team decided to push ahead with the plan, despite the setbacks.

Push ahead with a project

To continue working on a project, even when facing difficulties or obstacles.

Example

The construction company pushed ahead with the project, despite the protests.

Push ahead with an idea

To continue pursuing an idea, even when facing challenges or opposition.

Example

The inventor pushed ahead with his idea, even though many people doubted its feasibility.

Good things to know

Does “push ahead” have an informal or formal tone?

Push ahead is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as business meetings, news articles, and academic discussions.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “push ahead”?

Synonyms

• proceed
• continue
• advance
• forge ahead
• press on
• move forward
• carry on
• go ahead

Antonyms

• stop
• halt
• cease
• discontinue
• abandon
• quit
• postpone
• give up