What Does “Push sb for sth” Mean?
“Push sb for sth” means to ask someone repeatedly or insistently for something, often to get an answer, information, or a decision.
Introduction
The phrasal verb “Push sb for sth” is commonly used when someone is urging or pressuring another person to provide something, such as information, money, or a decision. It often implies persistence or insistence, sometimes bordering on impatience. Understanding the Push sb for sth meaning helps learners use it in contexts like business, personal conversations, or negotiations. This phrase highlights the action of pressing someone for a response or item they may be reluctant to give immediately.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: Push somebody for something
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: To insistently ask someone to give or do something
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Push sb for sth” is a separable transitive phrasal verb. You can place the object (sb) between “push” and “for” or after the whole phrase, but the “for” always stays with the thing being requested.
- Subject + push + somebody + for + something
- Subject + push + somebody + for + something (no separation between “for” and sth)
Example: We pushed him for an answer. (Correct)
How to Use Push sb for sth?
Use “Push sb for sth” when you want to express that someone is urging another person to give or do something they need or want. It often shows persistence or pressure, especially when the other person is hesitant or slow to respond.
This phrase fits well in formal and informal situations, such as requesting feedback, money, or decisions.
Examples
Imagine you are waiting for a reply from a colleague but they delay. You might say:
- I’ve been pushing my manager for the project deadline all week.
- They pushed the client for payment after the invoice was overdue.
- She keeps pushing me for an explanation about the missing files.
- We pushed the supplier for faster delivery times.
- He pushed his friend for the loan he promised.
These examples show Push sb for sth in a sentence, demonstrating its use in different contexts.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes learners confuse the word order or the preposition. Here are some examples:
- Incorrect: I pushed for him the answer.
- Correct: I pushed him for the answer.
- Incorrect: She pushed him about the money.
- Correct: She pushed him for the money.
Remember, “push” is followed by the person, then “for” plus the thing requested.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrasal verbs include “press sb for sth” and “push sb to do sth.”
- Press sb for sth: Very close in meaning; often used interchangeably, but “press” can feel more urgent or forceful.
- Push sb to do sth: Means encouraging or forcing someone to take an action, not asking for an object or information.
Example: I pressed him for an answer (similar to push sb for sth). But I pushed him to apologize (different meaning).
Common Collocations
People often use “Push sb for sth” with these common objects:
- Answer: Asking repeatedly for a response.
- Information: Requesting details or facts.
- Money: Insisting on payment.
- Decision: Urging someone to choose or decide.
- Deadline: Pressing for a time limit.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of push sb for sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Here’s a short conversation using “Push sb for sth”:
Anna: Have you heard back from the client?
Mark: Not yet. I’ve been pushing them for the contract all week.
Anna: Hopefully, they reply soon.
Practice
Complete the sentences with the correct form of “push sb for sth”:
- We _______ the teacher _______ the exam results yesterday.
- She keeps _______ her boss _______ a raise.
- They _______ the supplier _______ faster delivery.
FAQ
- Q: Is “push sb for sth” formal or informal?
A: It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
- Q: Can I use “push sb for sth” in the passive voice?
A: It is rare but possible, e.g., “He was pushed for an answer.”
- Q: What is the difference between “push sb for sth” and “ask sb for sth”?
A: “Push sb for sth” implies insistence, while “ask sb for sth” is more neutral.
- Q: Can “push sb for sth” be used with non-people subjects?
A: No, the subject being pushed is usually a person.
- Q: Are there synonyms for “push sb for sth”?
A: Yes, “press sb for sth” is a common synonym.
