it insists on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it insists on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a strong demand or requirement for something to happen or be done. Example: "The policy clearly states that it insists on strict adherence to safety protocols."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It insists on occupying one of an industry's top two slots or getting out.

The Economist

Labour has not yet selected a candidate in that seat and yet it insists on selecting one and splitting the progressive vote.

Huffington Post

On the one hand it insists on prohibiting cocaine, thereby increasing its price.

The Economist

Second, because it would be a national humiliation to dismantle its programme entirely, it insists on preserving the enrichment capacity to meet what it calls its "practical needs".

The Economist

The prose is not only beautiful and vigorously alert; it insists on its own heroic registration, and lifts this story of a modern marriage out of the mundane.

The New Yorker

"Not only does Con Edison refuse to change its behavior," he said, "but it insists on charging us for its own negligence".

The New York Times

In the meantime, it is interesting that as the city tries to take down some signs outdoors, it insists on putting up new ones indoors.

The New York Times

The PC5 will accept one, but like most models aimed at amateurs, it insists on adjusting the volume automatically, not letting you do it manually.

Forbes

If it insists on investigating child-abuse cases internally, then its responsibility for whatever horrors (including cronyism and cover-ups) are ultimately uncovered will be all the greater.

The Economist

Even when the film flashes forward in its second half to the co-educational, multicultural present day, it insists on continuity rather than change.

The New York Times

It insists on being regarded as a great performance and may, indeed, be mistaken for one.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it insists on", ensure that the subject ('it') is clearly defined and that the object of the preposition 'on' is a specific action or condition that is being demanded or asserted.

Common error

Avoid using "it insists on" without a clearly defined object following the preposition 'on'. For example, instead of saying "it insists on," specify what is being insisted upon, such as "it insists on strict adherence to the guidelines."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it insists on" functions as a verb phrase expressing a strong and unwavering demand or requirement. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. The 'it' typically refers to an entity, policy, or system that is firmly requiring a specific action or condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it insists on" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing a firm demand or requirement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and applicable in numerous contexts, especially in news, media, science, and formal business settings. While it conveys a clear message of insistence, alternative phrases like "it demands" or "it requires" might offer greater precision depending on the context. Pay close attention to clearly defining the object that follows 'on' to prevent ambiguity and ensure effective communication. The frequency and varied application of this phrase across authoritative sources, such as The New York Times and The Economist, underscore its reliability and value in both writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it demands

Replaces "insists" with a stronger verb, emphasizing the firmness of the requirement.

it requires

Focuses on the necessity of something, rather than the act of demanding.

it mandates

Suggests a formal, often legal, requirement.

it stipulates

Implies a specific condition or agreement.

it presses for

Emphasizes the active effort to achieve something.

it maintains

Indicates a consistent and unwavering stance.

it persists in

Highlights the continuous nature of the insistence.

it holds firm on

Emphasizes the unyielding nature of the demand.

it stands by

Shows unwavering support for a specific claim or belief.

it champions

Suggests active advocacy for a cause or idea.

FAQs

How can I use "it insists on" in a sentence?

Use "it insists on" to indicate a firm demand or requirement. For example, "The company "it insists on" compliance with all safety regulations."

What are some alternatives to "it insists on"?

You can use alternatives like "it demands", "it requires", or "it stipulates" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "it insists on" in formal writing?

"It insists on" is suitable for formal writing when you need to convey a firm and unwavering requirement or demand. However, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and whether a more precise alternative like "it mandates" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "it insists on" and "it suggests"?

"It insists on" implies a firm and non-negotiable demand, whereas "it suggests" offers a recommendation or proposal that is not necessarily mandatory. The former carries a stronger sense of authority and expectation than the latter.