Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[navi]

1-He gave me a phone call to repair his car.

Did he ask me to repair his car, or order me to repair his car or we can't tell?


2-He pushed me to go into the room.

Did he literally push me into the room or was the push just a sign to ask me to step into the room or we can't tell?

[asterix]

You can't really tell. But if he had ordered you, you'd probably say, "He ordered me to repair his car."
You don't really order people to do anything unless you are in the military. Even most bosses ask nicely when they want their car repaired.


He pushed me to go into the room.
This means he tried to get you to go into the room. He did not necessarily touch you at all.
If he physically pushed you, you would say, "He pushed me into the room."

[navi]

Thanks Asterix,
What if I say:

He pushed me to get out of the doorway.
or:
John pulled me to get out of Jane's way.

Wouldn't these imply a physical push or pull?