Meaning & use
drive forward
Last updated
UK/ˌdraɪv ˈfɔːwəd/
US/ˌdraɪv ˈfɔːrwərd/
Meanings
verbphrasal verb
To push something toward progress or advancement.
Grammar: Takes an object: drive the project forward.
Patterns
- drive something forward
The new CEO wants to drive the company forward.
Strong leadership will drive the reforms forward.
Her curiosity drove the research forward.
verbphrasal verb
To move a vehicle ahead.
Grammar: Intransitive: drive forward a little.
Patterns
- drive forward
Drive forward slowly until the sensor beeps.
He drove forward to the edge of the lot.
Word forms
| third person singular | drives forward |
|---|---|
| past tense | drove forward |
| past participle | driven forward |
| -ing form | driving forward |
Common combinations
- drive progress forward
- Technology can drive progress forward.
- drive change forward
- Leaders drive change forward.
- drive the economy forward
- Spending drives the economy forward.
- drive the team forward
- She drove the team forward.
- drive forward slowly
- Please drive forward slowly.
Synonyms and how they differ
- advance
- More formal and neutral.
- propel
- Suggests a powerful push.
- push ahead
- Informal and effortful.
- move on
- Less about effort, more about leaving a stage.
Opposites
hold backhinder
Word family
Practice
The manager hopes the new plan will ___ the project.
Choose one answer.
Drive forward means to push toward progress. The others suggest opposition or leaving.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “drive forward”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.
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