What does the phrasal verb “insist on” mean?

What are the definitions of “insist on”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. To demand or require something firmly.

  He has insisted on his innocence from the beginning.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “insist on”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb insist on is to demand or require something firmly. It means that someone is very determined about something and will not change their mind or opinion.

What are the different verb forms of “insist on”?

Root Verb	insist on
Third Person Singular Present	insists on
Present Participle	insisting on
Simple Past	insisted on
Past Participle	insisted on

Example

She always insists on arriving early to meetings.

Example

He insists on wearing a suit to work every day.

Example

They are insisting on a refund for the faulty product.

Example

Yesterday, she insisted on speaking to the manager.

Example

He had insisted on his innocence from the beginning.

What kind of phrasal verb is “insist on”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“insist on” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

She insisted on her right to speak.

Example

He insisted on an apology from his friend.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“insist on” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

She insisted on her right to speak.

Example

He insisted on an apology from his friend.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “insist on”?

Insist on doing something

To demand or require that something be done in a specific way or by a specific person.

Example

She insisted on doing the presentation herself, even though her team offered to help.

Insist on someone/something

To demand or require a specific person or thing.

Example

He insisted on hiring a professional photographer for the event.

Insist on one's rights

To demand or require that one's rights be respected or acknowledged.

Example

The workers insisted on their rights to fair wages and safe working conditions.

Good things to know

Does “insist on” have an informal or formal tone?

Insist on is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is appropriate for use in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as business meetings or legal discussions.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “insist on”?

Synonyms

• demand
• require
• urge
• assert
• maintain
• stress
• emphasize
• stand firm

Antonyms

• yield
• surrender
• relent
• concede
• submit
• accept
• give in
• compromise