press forward

USAGE SUMMARY

"press forward" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe continuing onward despite obstacles, making progress in achieving a goal, or similar. For example, "With determination, she was able to press forward despite the hardships."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bodies press forward.

The Guardian

He should press forward.

The New York Times

Whatever happens elsewhere, China will press forward.

MIT Technology Review

Mr. Coburn would still like to press forward.

The New York Times

Still the US press forward as the clock ticks down.

The Guardian - Sport

Disreputable detail, though, soon starts to press forward.

The Guardian - Arts

Prosecutors vowed yesterday to press forward with the case.

The New York Times

Despite the setback Tottenham continued to press forward.

The Guardian - Sport

As we press forward, the ambushes peter out.

The Guardian

Make decisions, loyal and honest ones, and press forward.

The New York Times - Sports

"We need to put it behind us and press forward.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "press forward" to convey a sense of determination and continued effort, especially when facing challenges or resistance.

Common error

While generally acceptable, "press forward" can sometimes sound slightly forceful or assertive in very formal or delicate situations. Consider alternatives like "proceed" or "continue" when a more neutral tone is desired.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "press forward" is as a verb phrase, acting as an intransitive verb indicating movement or progression. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "press forward" is a grammatically correct and widely used verb phrase that conveys a sense of determination and continued effort. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples confirms its proper usage across various contexts. While generally suitable, consider alternatives like "proceed" in overly formal settings. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, and its communicative purpose is to encourage action and persistence despite challenges. Remember to use "press forward" to emphasize resilience and proactive movement towards goals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

push on

Emphasizes effort and determination to continue despite difficulty.

move ahead

A more general term for progressing, without necessarily implying overcoming obstacles.

keep going

A simple and direct encouragement to continue.

forge ahead

Suggests creating a new path or overcoming significant obstacles.

persevere

Highlights sustained effort and resilience in the face of challenges.

continue onward

Emphasizes the direction of movement and persistence.

carry on

Implies continuing a task or activity, often despite setbacks.

advance

Suggests making progress towards a specific goal.

proceed

A formal and neutral term for continuing forward.

make headway

Focuses on achieving noticeable progress.

FAQs

How can I use "press forward" in a sentence?

Use "press forward" to indicate continuing with a task or plan despite obstacles. For example, "Despite the setbacks, the team decided to "press forward" with their project."

What is a good alternative to "press forward"?

Alternatives include "move ahead", "push on", or "forge ahead", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "press forward"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize determination and resilience in the face of difficulty, indicating a strong commitment to continuing despite challenges. It is very similar to "continue onward".

Is "press forward" formal or informal?

"Press forward" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal situations, consider more neutral alternatives like "proceed".