by pressing on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by pressing on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the act of continuing or persisting in an action or effort despite challenges or difficulties. Example: "She achieved her goals by pressing on through the obstacles that came her way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

By pressing on one of those bars, users are routed automatically to that part of the video.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

You can also check for good blood flow by pressing on one of the person's fingernails.

WikiHow

It involves elevating the uterus, by pressing on the fundus both internally (with one hand) and externally (with the other).

WikiHow

Lightly crush the cloves by pressing on them with the flat side of a chef's knife.

The New York Times - Health

Suppose a high minimum wage, by pressing on the structure of pay differentials, raises wage growth and hence inflation across the economy.

The Economist

Ornamentations and pitch alterations are created by pressing on the strings to the left of the bridges with the fingers of the left hand.

Encyclopedia Britannica

You can also clear all notifications by pressing on the clear button, rather than be limited to clearing a day at a time.

The Guardian - Tech

He has the presidency to win and little to lose personally by pressing on (in recent American history, defeated presidential candidates are usually consigned to oblivion, or an ambassadorship in Japan).

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

A "Yes" or "No" response was made by pressing or by not pressing on the joystick, respectively.

Brain Topography

You begin by long pressing on any message, which will cause checkboxes to appear.

TechCrunch

Concealed entirely, the imposing time-setting key can be ejected from its armor by simply pressing on the push button.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical action, ensure the object being pressed is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "launch the smart helper by pressing on", specify "launch the smart helper by pressing on the Home button".

Common error

Avoid using "by pressing on" in purely abstract or metaphorical contexts where the physical action is irrelevant. For instance, instead of saying "achieve a goal by pressing on the team", consider rephrasing to something that is easier to understand like “achieve a goal by motivating the team”.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by pressing on" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating the method or means by which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is considered grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academic Institutions & Universities

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by pressing on" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate how an action is performed, often through physical pressure or continued effort. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature. It is particularly prevalent in contexts like News & Media, Wiki, and Science, with a neutral register suitable for various forms of communication. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the object being pressed and avoiding overuse in purely abstract contexts. Alternatives like "by applying pressure to" or "by pushing against" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Remember to use best practices in writing and avoid the most common errors to make the text easier to understand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by pushing against

Simple and direct, focusing on the act of pushing.

by exerting pressure on

Similar in meaning, but with a slightly more formal tone.

by applying pressure to

More formal alternative, emphasizing the application of force.

through the act of pressing

Highlights the action itself, rather than the result.

using applied force to

General alternative describing applying strength or energy.

through exertion of force upon

Highly formal alternative, suitable for technical or legal contexts.

via manual depression of

Technical and very specific, suggesting precise mechanical action.

with tactile engagement of

Emphasizes the physical touch and interaction.

by manipulating

Broader term indicating skillful handling or influence.

by impinging upon

Suggests a more forceful and impactful contact.

FAQs

How can I use "by pressing on" in a sentence?

The phrase "by pressing on" is used to describe the action of physically pressing something, or metaphorically, to persist with an effort. For example, "You can activate the feature by pressing on the button", or "The company continued to grow by pressing on with its innovative strategies".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "by pressing on"?

Alternatives include "by applying pressure to", "by pushing against", or "by exerting pressure on" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "by pressing on" or should I use another preposition?

The phrase "by pressing on" is grammatically correct. However, the choice of preposition depends on the context. "By pressing" might be appropriate in some cases, while "pressing against" or "pressing upon" could be used for greater emphasis.

Can "by pressing on" be used in a metaphorical sense?

Yes, the phrase "by pressing on" can be used metaphorically to convey the idea of continuing or persevering with a task or goal despite difficulties, similar to phrases like "by persevering" or "by continuing forward".