What Does “Push for sth” Mean?
“Push for sth” means to strongly try to achieve or obtain something, usually by encouraging or demanding it persistently.
Introduction
The phrasal verb “push for sth” is commonly used in English when someone is trying hard to get a particular result or goal. The phrase “push for sth meaning” refers to making an effort or pressing others to support or agree with a plan, idea, or request. It often implies persistence and determination. Whether in work, politics, or daily conversations, people use “push for sth” to describe their efforts to make something happen or to get approval for something important.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: push for sth (push for something)
- Type: transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: to try hard to achieve or obtain something
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Push for sth” is a transitive phrasal verb, meaning it needs an object to complete its meaning. It is inseparable, so the object always follows the phrase.
Patterns:
- Subject + push for + noun/pronoun
- Example: They pushed for change in the policy.
How to Use Push for sth?
Use “push for sth” when you want to describe efforts to get approval, support, or a result. It often appears in situations involving negotiation, decision-making, or campaigns.
You can use it in formal and informal contexts, such as business meetings, political discussions, or everyday requests.
Examples
Imagine a team trying to get a new project approved. You could say:
- Our team is pushing for a budget increase to expand the project.
- She pushed for better working conditions during the meeting.
- They pushed for a new law to protect the environment.
- The manager pushed for faster delivery times to satisfy customers.
- We need to push for more support from the community.
These examples show how “push for sth in a sentence” expresses effort toward achieving something important.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes learners confuse the structure or use the wrong preposition. For example:
- Incorrect: She pushed to a new policy.
- Correct: She pushed for a new policy.
- Incorrect: They are pushing on better pay.
- Correct: They are pushing for better pay.
Remember, always use “push for” followed by the thing you want to achieve.
Differences / Synonyms
“Push for sth” is similar to “fight for sth” and “ask for sth,” but there are differences:
- Push for sth: implies persistent effort or pressure.
- Fight for sth: suggests struggle or conflict.
- Ask for sth: means to request politely or directly.
Use “push for” when emphasizing determination and active effort.
Common Collocations
People often “push for” specific things in different contexts:
- Push for change: try to make changes happen.
- Push for reform: demand improvements in systems.
- Push for approval: seek official permission.
- Push for support: encourage backing or help.
- Push for agreement: try to get consensus.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of push for sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using “push for sth”:
Anna: We really need to push for a longer deadline on this project.
Mark: I agree. The current schedule is too tight.
Anna: I’ll talk to the manager and push for an extension.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence:
- A) They pushed for a better salary during negotiations.
- B) They pushed to a better salary during negotiations.
- C) They pushed on a better salary during negotiations.
Answer: A
FAQ
- What does “push for sth” mean?
It means to try hard to get or achieve something. - Is “push for” separable?
No, the object always follows “push for.” - Can I use “push for” in formal writing?
Yes, it’s common in both formal and informal contexts. - What are common collocations with “push for”?
Words like change, reform, support, and approval are often used. - How is “push for” different from “ask for”?
“Push for” shows more effort and persistence than simply asking.
