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Verb + preposition

Press for vs. press on

Press for means demand or strongly support something. Press on means continue despite difficulty.

Quick answer

Two different meanings

Use press for when asking strongly for action or change. Use press on when continuing with effort despite problems or delays.

Activists continue to press for reform.
Despite the storm, the team decided to press on.
The union is pressing for higher wages.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
press for + change/request

Demanding or urging

Use for with demands, proposals, or desired actions.

Parents are pressing for safer roads.
2
press on

Continuing despite difficulty

Use on without an object to mean continue moving or working.

We were tired, but we pressed on.
3
press on with + task

Continuing an activity

Add with to name the activity that continues.

The company will press on with the expansion plan.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
press for
They pressed for immediate action.
demand or strongly encourage something
press on
The hikers pressed on through the snow.
continue despite difficulty
press on with
She pressed on with her research.
continue a specific activity

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using press on for demands

Press on does not mean request strongly.

✕ The staff pressed on better conditions. ✓ The staff pressed for better conditions.

Forgetting the object after press for

Press for usually needs the thing being demanded.

✕ They are pressing for. ✓ They are pressing for change.

Adding an object directly after press on

Use press on alone or press on with something.

✕ We pressed on the project. ✓ We pressed on with the project.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. Campaigners are pressing ___ stricter laws.
2. Although exhausted, the climbers pressed ___.
3. The team decided to press on ___ the repairs.

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Frequently asked questions

Does press for mean request politely?

Usually it suggests strong pressure or determined advocacy.

Can press on be used without an object?

Yes. Press on often appears alone to mean continue.

What is the difference between press on and carry on?

Both can mean continue, but press on often suggests difficulty or determination.

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