ENGLISH
REFERENCE

insists

v.
B1 Intermediate US //ˌɪnˈsɪsts// UK //ɪnsˈɪsts// in·sists

v. to say something very strongly and refuse to change your mind. You use this when you are sure you are right or when you demand that something happens.

v. to demand something forcefully or state a fact firmly, refusing to accept contradiction or refusal. Often followed by a 'that' clause or the preposition 'on'.


SIMPLE

He insists that he is telling the truth.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager insists on seeing the original receipt before she can offer a full refund for the damaged goods.

COMPLEX

Although the evidence against his theory was mounting, the scientist continues to insist that his initial hypothesis remains the most plausible explanation for the data.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is often intransitive when followed by 'on' + gerund, or transitive when followed by a 'that' clause.

Pitfall

She insists to pay for dinner.She insists on paying for dinner.Insist does not take an infinitive; it requires 'on' followed by a gerund or a 'that' clause.

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