Understanding the Phrasal Verb: Push Away
Have you ever felt so overwhelmed that you needed some space, or perhaps you have seen someone physically move an object to clear a path? In these situations, we often use the phrasal verb push away. While it sounds like a simple action, it carries both physical and emotional weight in the English language. Whether you are clearing clutter from your desk or describing a complex relationship, understanding how to use this phrase will help you express yourself with greater precision.
Definitions and Core Meanings
At its core, push away is a versatile phrasal verb. Depending on the context, its meaning can change significantly:
- Physical movement: To move something or someone further from yourself using force.
- Emotional withdrawal: To reject or distance yourself from people, feelings, or opportunities due to fear, hurt, or a desire for independence.
Usage and Grammar Patterns
Grammatically, push away is a separable phrasal verb. This means that when you are using it to describe a physical object, you can place the object either after the entire phrase or between the two words.
Examples:
- "He pushed away the plate of food." (Correct)
- "He pushed the plate away." (Also correct and very common)
When using the phrase to talk about abstract concepts or feelings, it is often used as a transitive verb, meaning it requires an object to receive the action.
Common Phrases and Examples
You will frequently hear push away in everyday conversation. Here are a few ways it appears in natural English:
- Pushing away opportunities: "She is so afraid of failing that she often pushes away great career opportunities."
- Physical discomfort: "When the dog tried to lick my face, I gently pushed him away."
- Emotional defense: "Even though he loves her, he pushes her away whenever things start to get too serious."
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake learners make is confusing push away with push off. While they sound similar, push off is often used as an informal way to tell someone to leave ("Go away!"), whereas push away focuses on the act of distancing or rejecting.
Another point of confusion involves the preposition. We say "push away from" when describing the starting point of the movement. For example: "She pushed away from the table to stand up." Do not skip the "from" if you are explaining the reference point of the action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "push away" always negative?
Not necessarily. While it often implies rejection in emotional contexts, it is neutral in physical contexts. For instance, pushing away a heavy box to make room is a helpful, positive action.
Can I use "push away" for inanimate objects?
Yes, absolutely. You can push away a desk, a book, or a pile of papers. It simply means you are moving them further from your current position.
What is the difference between "push away" and "shove away"?
"Push away" is a neutral, standard term. "Shove away" implies a much higher level of force, aggression, or anger. Use "shove" only when the action is intended to be forceful or violent.
Conclusion
The phrasal verb push away is an essential tool in your English vocabulary. By mastering the distinction between its physical use—moving objects—and its emotional use—distancing oneself from others—you can communicate your experiences more effectively. Practice using it in different contexts, and you will soon find it comes naturally in your own daily conversations.