What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
propel
Example
The wind will propel the sailboat across the lake. [propel: verb]
Example
The engine propels the car forward. [propels: present tense]
push
Example
She pushed the door open with her shoulder. [push: verb]
Example
He gave the swing a push to get it started. [push: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Push is more commonly used than propel in everyday language. Push is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while propel is less common and has a more technical connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between propel and push?
Propel is typically associated with a more formal and technical tone, while push is more casual and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
