Cool MatePushing vs Trying like hell
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Pushing
Top 2,000 (common)
Trying like hell
InformalTop 3,000 (common)
Most formal: PushingMost common: Pushing
| Pushing | Trying like hell | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈpʊʃɪŋ//🇺🇸 //ˈpʊʃɪŋ// | 🇬🇧 //ˈtraɪɪŋ laɪk hɛl//🇺🇸 //ˈtraɪɪŋ laɪk hɛl// |
| Meaning | Moving something away with force | Trying very hard to do something. |
| Example | She is pushing the door open with all her strength. | I'm trying like hell to finish this project on time. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| Collocations | pushing boundaries, pushing limits, pushing someone away, pushing forward | trying like hell to succeed, trying like hell to understand, trying like hell not to laugh |
| Antonyms | pulling, retracting | - |
| Common mistakes | Using 'push' instead of 'pushing' in continuous actions, Confusing with 'shoving' which implies more aggression, Mixing past tense forms like 'pushed' with present continuous 'pushing' | Using it in very formal writing or speech., Confusing it with 'trying hard' - the intensity is stronger., Mispronouncing 'hell' as it can affect understanding. |
| Usage notes | Use 'pushing' in contexts where someone or something applies force. It's neutral, fitting in both formal and informal settings. | Use in casual conversations to express great effort, but avoid in formal situations due to its idiomatic and slightly coarse nature. |
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Frequently asked questions: Pushing vs Trying like hell
What's the difference between Pushing and Trying like hell?
Pushing: Moving something away with force Trying like hell: Trying very hard to do something.
Which is more formal: Pushing and Trying like hell?
Pushing is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Pushing and Trying like hell?
Pushing is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Pushing: She is pushing the door open with all her strength. Trying like hell: I'm trying like hell to finish this project on time.
Can I use Pushing and Trying like hell interchangeably?
Not always. Pushing and Trying like hell are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.