to press on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to press on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the act of continuing or persisting in a course of action despite difficulties or obstacles. Example: "Even though the journey was tough, we decided to press on and reach our destination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Jeremy Corbyn decided to press on regardless.

The Guardian - Opinion

Paramount decided to press on with a premiere for "Not Fade Away" Tuesday night.

The New York Times

He stressed that China needed to press on with both political and economic reforms.

BBC

Mogil intends to press on.

The New Yorker

On Tuesday, they vowed to press on.

The New York Times

AACSB however is determined to press on.

The Economist

We are going to press on.

The New Yorker

"I'm planning to press on.

The Guardian - Sport

And we'll continue to press on diplomacy".

The New Yorker

(Mr. Corra vows to press on).

The New York Times - Arts

Mary, however, resolves to press on.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone of your writing when choosing between "to press on" and its alternatives. "To press on" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, while phrases like "to persevere" might be more appropriate for formal settings.

Common error

While "to press on" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or sophisticated vocabulary might be expected. Consider alternatives like "to proceed" or "to continue" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "to press on" functions primarily as a verb of continuation or persistence. It emphasizes the act of proceeding with an action or task despite challenges or obstacles. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, reinforcing its role in conveying determination.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

13%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "to press on" is a common and grammatically sound way to express continued effort and determination, especially when facing obstacles. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and versatility across various contexts, although it's most frequently found in news and media. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "to proceed" or "to persevere". Remember that while widely accepted, overusing it in excessively formal writing may sound repetitive. Keep pushing on!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to push on

Similar to "to press on" but with a slightly stronger emphasis on overcoming immediate obstacles.

to push forward

Suggests overcoming resistance, highlighting effort and determination.

to persevere

Emphasizes continued effort despite significant obstacles; more formal than "to press on".

to persist

Highlights steadfastness and refusal to give up despite challenges.

to forge ahead

Implies a strong, determined movement towards a goal, often against opposition.

to continue

A general term for not stopping, less forceful than "to press on".

to keep going

Informal and emphasizes forward motion despite difficulty; similar in intensity to "to press on".

to carry on

A versatile alternative indicating continuation, often in the face of adversity.

to advance

Indicates moving forward with purpose, often in a strategic or planned manner.

to proceed

A more formal term for continuing, suitable for official or serious contexts.

FAQs

What does "to press on" mean?

The phrase "to press on" means to continue doing something, especially when it's difficult. It implies a determined effort to proceed despite obstacles.

What are some synonyms for "to press on"?

Alternatives to "to press on" include "to continue", "to persevere", "to push forward", and "to keep going". The best choice depends on the specific context.

How formal is the phrase "to press on"?

The phrase "to press on" is generally considered suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal or academic writing, more precise alternatives might be preferred.

Is it correct to say "press on with" instead of "to press on"?

Yes, both "to press on" and "to press on with" are correct. "To press on with" usually includes the object you are continuing, for example, "to press on with the project".