press onward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'press onward' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used as a motivational phrase, usually in the form of an imperative, to encourage someone to continue moving forward and making progress despite difficulty. Example Sentence: "Despite the setbacks, we must press onward and stay committed to our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

So why press onward?

The New Yorker

We press onward quietly without a lot of noise.

The New York Times

Movies like "Darkest Hour" are impatient to press onward, and the momentum is all with Churchill.

The New Yorker

He wavered, but decided to press onward to Mamma Mia's, recalling Jessica's hero need.

The New York Times - Arts

Marginal rebels have successfully used all modern media, from the printing press onward, against the established order.

The New York Times - Arts

So, after two hours' delay, we could press onward through the storm to the Woodstock Inn, assuring each other that it could have been a lot worse.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

But always he pressed onward.

The New Yorker

But the inexperienced Hamm pressed onward.

The New York Times - Sports

This secret predator, the palpable, invisible threat, pulses through Exposure, but Lily presses onward.

Independent

When we pressed onward through exhaustion, its eyes were white and open in the dark.

The Guardian - Books

He pressed onward, to 46th Street, which by 10 17 had become an archipelago of stretch limousines.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "press onward" to convey a sense of determined continuation, especially when facing challenges or setbacks. It's suitable for motivational contexts or when emphasizing resilience.

Common error

Avoid using "press onward" when simply describing a continuous state without any implied effort or obstacle. For instance, saying "The river presses onward" is less effective than "The river flows onward" because "press" suggests a force or resistance that isn't inherently present in a natural flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "press onward" primarily functions as an imperative or exhortative expression, encouraging someone to continue their journey or task despite facing difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Huffington Post

20%

Less common in

Vice

10%

The Guardian - Travel

10%

The New York Times - Sports

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "press onward" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves as a motivational expression, encouraging perseverance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's most commonly found in News & Media and Wiki sources. While versatile, it's best suited for contexts where continued effort is emphasized despite potential obstacles. Consider alternatives like "forge ahead" or "push forward" for nuanced meanings. Be mindful of using it in static contexts where no resistance or force is implied. Remember, when you want to inspire continued progress, "press onward" is a reliable and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue onward

Adds slight emphasis on the direction of progress.

forge ahead

Focuses on determined progress, often against obstacles.

push forward

Implies applying force or effort to advance.

advance further

Stresses making additional progress beyond the current point.

move forward

A more general term for advancing or progressing.

keep going

Emphasizes perseverance and not giving up.

carry on

Suggests continuing a task or activity without interruption.

proceed ahead

A more formal way of saying to continue. It's a bit redundant, as 'proceed' already implies moving forward.

persevere

Highlights determination and resilience in the face of adversity.

make headway

Emphasizes the progress made in overcoming a challenge.

FAQs

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

You can use "press onward" to express determination to continue despite difficulties, such as, "Despite the initial failures, we must "press onward" towards our goals."

What are some alternatives to "press onward"?

Alternatives to "press onward" include "forge ahead", "push forward", or simply "move forward". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "continue to press onward"?

Yes, it can be considered redundant. "Press onward" already implies continuation, so adding "continue to" is unnecessary. Just use ""press onward"" for a more concise expression.

What's the difference between "press onward" and "urge onward"?

"Press onward" implies personal determination and effort to continue, while "urge onward" suggests encouraging someone else to continue. The focus shifts from self-motivation to external encouragement.