Insist or Persist? When to Use Each in a Sentence?

There is no shortage of English words that pass the same or similar message. However, in some cases, some words, although similar, do not pass the same message. It is quite easy to confuse the two realities in most cases when it comes to some words. That is why, at first glance, it is easy to conclude that “insist” and “persist” pass the same message. However, this is not the case. So, “insist” or “persist?” When to use each in a sentence?

“Insist” is a verb that strongly urges someone to perform an action. It can also extend to demanding or requesting something from someone forcefully. On the other hand, “persist,” although a verb displays a steadfast commitment by someone towards getting something done regardless of obstacles. 

Still, this is only the highlight of the relevant rules. In turn, in this article, we will dive deeper into the details. This way, you are well aware of when to use both words.

When and How Use “Insist” in a Sentence

Our first focus is on how and when to use the word “insist” in a sentence. However, as you can likely tell, knowing how to do this depends on some factors. Precisely, it depends on understanding the nature of the word and, of course, its meaning. So, here is what you need to know.

When it comes to the word “insist,” it is a verb. We understand that we do not need to go deep into the meaning of a verb. It is generally considered as an action word. That is a word that displays that the subject is acting.

In turn, when you use the word “insist,” be sure to convey that an action is getting performed. Now, unto the meaning. That is, what action gets performed when you use the verb “insist” in a sentence?

The word “insist” in a sentence can mean to urge or encourage someone to get something done. In this sense, it is a form of a forceful request to someone to achieve something. For instance, when you insist that your friend, who does not like medications, should take their medicine to feel better.

As such, you can use the word when you want to urge someone or a group of people to get something done. Now that we have cleared that up, here are some examples of using the word in a sentence. This is to help you fully grasp how to utilize the word in a sentence.

1. I insist that you take your studies seriously, especially if you are interested in inheriting your part of the family wealth.
2. It is okay to insist on Mary avoiding bad company; after all, it is for her benefit and safety.
3. Although I insisted that he take his relationship with my daughter seriously, he failed to heed my advice and ended up ruining it.
4. If you need my help to qualify for the next stage, then I insist you show me why you are qualified and deserving of my help.

Further, using the word “insist” is not just limited to urging others to get something done. It can also extend to demanding or requesting something forcefully from someone. So, if you intend to convey a forceful demand for something, then the use of the word “insist” becomes appropriate.

Again, here are some examples that should help you gain clarity about using the word “insist” in this sense.

1. I insist that you bring your car to the party on Saturday as it will help my transportation back home.
2. She insisted that the young lawyer and recent addition to the team completes the work before going home even though it appeared impossible.
3. Due to recent company policy, I will have to insist that everybody produces a copy of their identification card to enable us to proceed with the processing.
4. While it is okay to insist on getting your work as soon as possible, I believe that sometimes you need to prioritize quality.

Now, when it comes to the word “insist,” it is vital that you keep in mind its origin. It comes from the root word “in” and “sistere.” These words are of Latin origin and mean being assertive or holding a strong and sometimes unmovable stand in something. So, when using the word, it must convey this conviction.

When and How to Use the Word “Persist”

Our next concern is when and how to use the word “persist” in a sentence. As always, we must begin by explaining the meaning and nature of the word.

When it comes to the nature of the word, just like we highlighted with the word “insist,” the word “persist” is a verb. In turn, it conveys that an action has been performed in a sentence. Now, regarding the action that gets performed, this is where the meaning of the word comes into play. So, what meaning does the verb “persist” convey?

The word persist means to remain steadfast or continue on a path regardless of obstacles and difficulties. For instance, where there are negative feedbacks about an action, but such individuals do not get dissuaded by such feedback. This word generally conveys the determination of an individual to get things done.

You can trace the word to its root word to gain an understanding of the meal. Precisely, the two Latin words “per” and “sistere.” This combination generally implies to stand through or stand continuously or steadfastly.

So, if you intend to convey that an individual has gotten things done or should get things done regardless of obstacles, then this is your word. As you can see, it is clearly different from the meaning conveyed by the word “insist.” Now, here are some examples that will help you understand their usage better.

1. I will encourage you to persist at getting your license to practice law even if you are faced with financial difficulties; it is an enterprise fully worth it.
2. It might take time to achieve your goal, and a long time at that, still; if you persist, you can be sure to turn your dream into a reality.
3. There is hardly anyone who is as strong as a man who persists in achieving their goals regardless of how far fetched it might seem.
4. If history has taught us anything, it is that those who persist find themselves in the hall of great men who have impacted their society and the world at large.

Understanding the Difference Between Both Words

As it is now clear, both words are distinct from each other. While there might be some semblance of similarities in that they are both verbs, the action they convey is different. So, you are wondering where the confusion in the use of both words can arise.

Well, this is not far from the fact that insisting on something can be the basis of persistence. In the same vein, persistence can also lead one to insistence. For instance, in the case of the first, by insisting that you will work hard, you can be on course to get that degree regardless of the difficulty.

On the other hand, by being persistent about helping your friend, you can also insist that they act in a particular way. So, you see, it is very easy to get lost in a cycle when it comes to using both words.

Regardless, it is very easy to navigate this through the discussion above. However, this knowledge is only key if you can fully grasp it, remember it, and apply it properly when writing.

So, what do you need to know and keep in mind to achieve this?

First, when it comes to “insist,” it involves an assertive or strong stand in something. In turn, you must use this word when you require someone to get something done. On the other hand, when it comes to the word “persist,” it involves getting through circumstances or situations.

Now, while the word “persist” requires action, the action’s core goal is to get through a circumstance or situation. So, it is used to describe an action of getting through an otherwise difficult situation. On the other hand, when it comes to “insist,” it is usually an action that primarily calls for another person’s action.

So, use the word “insist” to describe an unwavering call for action. On the other hand, use the word “persist” to describe an unwavering action to get things done.

Final Thought

As you can see at first glance, the possibility of confusion is almost nonexistent. Then, all of a sudden, the possibilities become prominent. Now, while this might bother others, do not let this bother you. It is now easy to identify when and how to use both words.

This is thanks to this article. We have discussed the nature of both words, the meaning it conveys, and how to use it in a sentence. We have also discussed how to differentiate both words from each other.

So, go on, read up, and have more fun as you write correctly.