What are the definitions of “push back”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To delay or postpone.
If she is having issues again, it could explain why her album is getting pushed back.
- 2To resist or oppose something.
The banks who own the debt are pushing back hard against the German demand for more sacrifice.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “push back”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb push back is to delay or postpone something. It can be used when talking about events, deadlines, or plans that need to be rescheduled or moved to a later time.
What are the different verb forms of “push back”?
| Root Verb | push back |
| Third Person Singular Present | pushes back |
| Present Participle | pushing back |
| Simple Past | pushed back |
| Past Participle | pushed back |
Example
We might need to push back the meeting to next week.
Example
She pushes back her appointments when she's running late.
Example
They are pushing back the project deadline due to unforeseen issues.
Example
He pushed back the release date of his new book.
Example
The event has been pushed back to a later date.
What kind of phrasal verb is “push back”?
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.)
Transitive verb
“push back” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The manager pushed back the deadline.
Example
She pushed the meeting back to Friday.
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 back” 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
The manager pushed back the deadline.
Example
She pushed the meeting back to Friday.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “push back”?
Good things to know
Does “push back” have an informal or formal tone?
Push back 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 professional settings, such as business meetings and discussions.
