Phrasal verb
push on
Definition
phrasal verb. to continue doing something or traveling, even if you are tired or the situation is difficult.
phrasal verb. to continue with an effort or a journey, often in the face of adversity or fatigue. The verb is primarily intransitive, though it frequently collocates with 'with' when an object is present.
Examples
“We are tired, but we must push on to reach the camp.”
“Despite the heavy rain and the steep climb, the hikers decided to push on until they reached the summit.”
“Although the initial research yielded discouraging results, the team resolved to push on, eventually discovering a breakthrough that redefined the project's scope.”
Examples
simple
“We are tired, but we must push on to reach the camp.”
contextual
“Despite the heavy rain and the steep climb, the hikers decided to push on until they reached the summit.”
complex
“Although the initial research yielded discouraging results, the team resolved to push on, eventually discovering a breakthrough that redefined the project's scope.”
Usage
often used in the context of physical journeys or long-term projects.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'press on', which carries a more formal and determined tone; 'push on' is more common in everyday speech.
Pitfall
We must push on the work.
We must push on with the work.
when 'push on' takes an object, the preposition 'with' is required to link the action to the task.
Phrasal verb
Particles
on
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
push + on
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/push-on