What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
insisted
Example
She insisted on going to the party even though it was late. [insisted: verb]
Example
He insisted that he was right and refused to listen to anyone else's opinion. [insisted: past tense]
assert
Example
She asserted her authority as the manager and made sure everyone followed the rules. [asserted: verb]
Example
He asserted that he had done nothing wrong and demanded an apology. [asserted: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Assert is more commonly used than insist in everyday language. Assert is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while insist is less common and often has a negative connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between insisted and assert?
Both insist and assert can be used in formal or informal contexts. However, assert is generally considered more formal and professional, while insist can be seen as more casual or even confrontational.