# push on

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/push-on
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to continue doing something or traveling, even if you are tired or the situation is difficult.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "We must push on the work." but "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.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.