Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[WYH]

Dear teachers:

I don't understand what are the differences between �insist on� and �persist in�. Is their meaning the same in any situation? If it is not, what are differences about their meaning and how do I use them in correct ways? Thank you.

Best regards,
WYH

[dragn]

Hi,

If you insist on something, you state firmly or demand that it be done or provided.

Sue offered Mike a Heineken, but he insisted on Guinness.

As would I, being half Irish. When you insist on something, it can also be an -ing form used as a noun (traditionally referred to as a gerund):

Mike insisted on drinking his Guinness from a pint glass instead of a mug.

Now, if you persist in doing something, you continue doing it in spite of difficulties, opposition from others, or unlikelihood of success. If someone is stubbornly continuing in some course of action, in many cases you could convey a very similar meaning with either one. For example:

The boss insisted on following the plan, even though it was clearly flawed.

The boss persisted in following the plan, even though it was clearly flawed.

These convey very nearly the same meaning; however, it is possible that in the first sentence that no action has been taken yet. It's possible that they are at the beginning of the process and that the boss wants to proceed from the start according to the plan. In the second sentence, however, that cannot be the case. If you persist in doing something, you're already doing it. In the second sentence it is clear that they are well into the process and that the boss has every intention of continuing that course of action.

Hope this helps.

Greg

[WYH]

Dear teacher,

Thanks for your extremely detailed answer to my question. That really helps me a lot. I can clearly understand these differences about their meanings and usages now.

Best regards,
WYH