pressing on

USAGE SUMMARY

"pressing on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to suggest that you should continue to make an effort to do something even if it is difficult. For example: "Despite the challenges, they kept pressing on and eventually achieved success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When pressing on, its low-mounted mass results in unexpectedly good ride and handling, too.

Independent

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

WikiHow

Other governments and institutions are pressing on.

The New York Times

Kraft says it is pressing on regardless.

The Economist

But the Americans are pressing on.

The Economist

Mortality was pressing on their heels.

The New York Times

Even so, the experts recommended pressing on.

The New York Times

A tumor pressing on my spine?

The Washington Post

Mr. Chertoff's agency is pressing on.

The New York Times

But Mr. Caton is pressing on.

The New York Times

Cameron and Lansley are pressing on undeterred.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pressing on" when you want to convey a sense of determination and forward movement despite challenges. It's a versatile phrase applicable in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "pressing on" when a more specific verb like "continuing", "advancing", or "insisting" would better capture the intended meaning. The phrase implies persistence against resistance, so ensure that this nuance is appropriate for your context.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "pressing on" functions as a dynamic verb expressing continuation or persistence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. Examples show it used to describe continuing a journey, a project, or an effort despite obstacles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pressing on" is a versatile and commonly used phrasal verb that signifies continuing an effort or journey despite challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki sources, reflecting its widespread applicability. When using "pressing on", ensure that the context aligns with the implied sense of persistence against resistance. Alternatives like "persevering" or "continuing forward" can be considered for nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keeping going

Suggests maintaining momentum and not giving up.

persevering

Implies a steadfast continuation despite difficulties, focusing on the enduring effort.

moving onward

Implies a journey or progression to a further point.

continuing forward

Highlights the act of advancing towards a goal without stopping.

pushing ahead

Emphasizes the effort and determination required to make progress.

sticking with it

Focuses on maintaining commitment and not abandoning a task or goal.

forging ahead

Suggests overcoming obstacles and creating a path forward.

staying the course

Implies maintaining a consistent direction or strategy.

plodding on

Suggests making slow but steady progress, often in a laborious manner.

battling on

Emphasizes the struggle and resilience in the face of adversity.

FAQs

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

You can use "pressing on" to indicate continuing with a task or journey despite difficulties, such as, "Despite the setbacks, the team kept pressing on."

What are some alternatives to "pressing on"?

Alternatives to "pressing on" include "persevering", "continuing forward", or "pushing ahead", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "pressing on with"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "pressing on with", as in, "We are pressing on with our plans despite the challenges."

What's the difference between "pressing on" and "insisting on"?

"Pressing on" means to continue despite difficulties, while "insisting on" means to demand something or maintain a belief firmly. For example, "They were pressing on with the project," versus, "She was insisting on her version of the story."