Phrasal verb
push on
To push on means to continue moving or doing something, especially despite difficulty or tiredness.
Meanings
to continue moving forward or traveling, especially when it is difficult
to continue doing an activity or task, especially after a delay or despite problems
Definition
If you push on, you keep going with a journey, task, or effort instead of stopping. It often suggests determination when conditions are hard, time is short, or you feel tired. It can also mean continuing after a pause or interruption.
Examples
- I was exhausted, but I decided to push on to the next town.
- You should push on with the project even if the first draft is messy.
- He pushed on through the heavy rain and reached the campsite before dark.
- She pushed on after the interruption and finished her presentation calmly.
- They pushed on despite the long line and finally got inside.
Common mistake
Learners often say "push on to do" when they mean continuing an activity; use "push on with" for tasks (e.g., "push on with the work").
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.