insist
/ɪnˈsɪst/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪnˈsɪst/ (ame, ipa) · /in-ˈsist/ (ame, mw)
insist — verb
- insistpresent simple I / you / we / they
- insistshe / she / it
- insistedpast simple
- insisting-ing form
1. to say very firmly that something must happen or be done, especially when someon
to say very firmly that something must happen or be done, especially when someone else is against it.
Hari insisted on paying for dinner, even though I offered to split the bill.
insist + on + gerund for demanding action
The doctor insisted that Beatrix stay in hospital for another night.
insist + that-clause with subjunctive verb
"You must let me help," Nicholas insisted when he saw Kemi struggling with the boxes.
The students insisted on a meeting with the principal to discuss the new rules.
Our guide insisted that we wear life jackets before getting into the boat.
- demand
More neutral and forceful; used when you have authority or a right, while 'insist' is more about personal firmness against opposition.
- require
More formal and rule-based; typically used for official or legal obligations rather than personal demands.
- stipulate
Formal and specific; used when laying down exact conditions in a contract or agreement.
文法句型
insist + that-clause (with subjunctive or should)
insist + on + noun/gerund
insist + on + possessive + gerund (formal)
use without object: 'I insist!'
用法筆記
When followed by a that-clause for this sense, the verb in the that-clause often takes the subjunctive form (e.g., 'I insisted that he come' rather than 'comes'). In British English, 'should' is also common: 'I insisted that he should come.' The pattern 'insist on + possessive + gerund' is formal: 'They insisted on my staying for lunch.'
常見錯誤
2. to continue affirming that something is a fact, even when others doubt you or th
to continue affirming that something is a fact, even when others doubt you or the evidence points the other way.
Mauricio insisted he had locked the door, though the key was still in the lock.
insist + that-clause for asserting truth
Despite the test results, Min insisted that she was not tired.
insist despite contrary evidence
Rafael insisted the figure he had seen was a person, not a shadow.
Élise insisted that her phone was off all evening, but the call records proved otherwise.
- assert
More formal and neutral; you can assert something calmly, while 'insist' adds emotional force and repetition.
- maintain
Suggests keeping the same position over time; used in formal arguments and legal contexts.
- claim
Weaker than 'insist'; claim can be false or unproven, whereas 'insist' implies strong personal conviction.
- contend
More formal and argumentative; used when stating a position in a debate or dispute.
文法句型
insist + that-clause (indicative, often omitting 'that')
insist + direct speech: "…," he insisted.
用法筆記
Unlike sense 1, the that-clause for this sense takes an indicative verb (not subjunctive), because you are asserting a fact, not demanding an action. In informal speech, 'that' is often dropped: 'He insisted he was right.' Frequently occurs with direct speech quoting someone's emphatic statement.