Direct Answer
“Press for sth” means to strongly ask or demand something, often repeatedly or with urgency.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: Press for something
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: To insistently ask or demand something.
Meaning in Detail
The phrase Press for sth meaning is to push someone to give you information, an answer, or action you want. It often refers to asking repeatedly or with strong insistence. People press for decisions, answers, or changes when they want results quickly or clearly.
For example, if a journalist keeps asking a politician difficult questions, they are pressing for answers.
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Press for sth” is a transitive phrasal verb, which means it always has an object after it. The object is usually a noun or noun phrase.
Structure pattern:
Press for + something (noun)
Note: This phrasal verb is inseparable. You cannot put the object between “press” and “for”.
Correct: They pressed for an explanation.
Incorrect: They pressed an explanation for.
Examples
- She pressed for a quick decision from the manager.
- The employees pressed for better working conditions.
- The media pressed for more details about the event.
- He pressed for immediate action on the problem.
- They pressed for answers during the meeting.
These Press for sth in a sentence examples show how the phrase is used to ask strongly for something.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: She pressed an answer for.
Correct: She pressed for an answer. - Incorrect: They pressed for quickly the results.
Correct: They pressed for the results quickly. - Incorrect: Press for it you must.
Correct: You must press for it.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrasal verbs include:
- Push for sth: Also means to demand or try hard to get something. “Push for” is slightly stronger and more physical.
- Ask for sth: A polite or neutral way to request something, less forceful than “press for.”
- Demand sth: Stronger and more forceful than “press for,” often used in formal or legal contexts.
The difference is that “press for sth” implies persistent or repeated asking, often with some urgency, but not as forceful as “demand.”
Common Collocations
- Press for answers
- Press for information
- Press for a decision
- Press for change
- Press for action
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of press for sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: The boss hasn’t replied to our request yet.
Tom: We should press for a decision before the meeting.
Anna: Yes, I will press for an answer this afternoon.
Practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the phrasal verb “press for”:
- They ________ ________ better salaries at the negotiation.
- We need to ________ ________ an immediate response.
- She is ________ ________ more information about the project.
Answers: 1. pressed for 2. press for 3. pressing for
FAQ
What does “press for sth” mean?
It means to strongly ask or demand something repeatedly or urgently.
Is “press for sth” separable?
No, the object always comes after “press for,” making it inseparable.
Can I use “press for” with any object?
Usually, it is used with requests like answers, decisions, information, or action.
What is the difference between “press for” and “push for”?
“Push for” is more forceful and physical, while “press for” is persistent but less aggressive.
How do I use “press for sth” in a sentence?
Use it like this: “They pressed for a quick decision.”
