Describe a firm demand or a claim that someone maintains.
The idea
Use insist on with a noun or an -ing form for a demand. Use insist that with a clause for a claim.
Examples
- Maya insisted on paying for the tickets.
- The guide insists that the path is safe.
- Our neighbours insisted on a quieter meeting place.
- Leo insisted that he had sent the email.
- The coach insists on checking the equipment first.
- Despite the rain, the children insisted on walking home.
Read-aloud uses a synthetic English voice on your device. Quality and availability vary; it does not assess pronunciation.
No English device voice is available. You can still read the examples.
Watch out
Do not say insist to pay; say insist on paying.
Try it yourself
Choose the correct answer. Nora insisted ___ carrying the box. (on / to)
Show answer or example answer
on
on introduces the action Nora demands to do.
Choose the correct answer. The witness insists that the door ___ locked. (was / were)
Show answer or example answer
was
was agrees with the singular noun door in the claim.
Choose the correct answer. We insisted on ___ the bill ourselves. (checking / check)
Show answer or example answer
checking
checking follows the preposition on.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
Choose the correct answer. Nora insisted ___ carrying the box. (on / to)
Choose the correct answer. The witness insists that the door ___ locked. (was / were)
Choose the correct answer. We insisted on ___ the bill ourselves. (checking / check)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Keep your progress
Sign up for free to save your practice results.
Sign up to saveI already have an accountUse it today
Describe something you insist on and a fact someone insists is true.