What does the phrasal verb “push in” mean?

What are the definitions of “push in”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Get in a queue without waiting.

  She just PUSHED IN the queue in front of me at the supermarket checkout.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb push in is to enter a line or queue without waiting for one's turn, often considered rude or impolite. It is used to describe someone who cuts in front of others in a line.

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

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

Example

He always tries to push in when waiting for the bus.

Example

She pushes in the line at the cafeteria every day.

Example

They are pushing in the queue at the ticket counter.

Example

Yesterday, he pushed in the line at the coffee shop.

Example

She had pushed in the queue at the supermarket checkout.

What kind of phrasal verb is “push in”?

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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 in” 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

He always pushes in when waiting for the bus.

Example

She pushed in the line at the cafeteria.

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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 in” 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

He always pushes in when waiting for the bus.

Example

She pushed in the line at the cafeteria.

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

Push in a chair

To move a chair closer to a table or desk, usually after getting up from it.

Example

Please push in your chair when you leave the table.

Push in a button

To press a button or switch, causing it to move inward.

Example

To turn on the device, push in the power button.

Good things to know

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

Push in is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.

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

Synonyms

• cut in
• jump the queue
• barge in
• skip the line

Antonyms

• wait in line
• queue up
• stand in line
• take one's turn