What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
insisting
Example
She kept insisting that we go to the beach, even though it was raining. [insisting: verb]
Example
His insisting on getting his way caused a lot of tension in the group. [insisting: gerund or present participle]
pressing
Example
The doctor said it was a pressing matter and needed to be addressed immediately. [pressing: adjective]
Example
He kept pressing her for an answer, even though she was clearly uncomfortable. [pressing: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pressing is more commonly used than insisting in everyday language. Pressing is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while insisting is less common and may come across as confrontational or argumentative.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between insisting and pressing?
Both insisting and pressing can be used in formal or informal contexts, but pressing is more versatile and can be employed in a wider range of formality levels.
