Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding the Phrasal Verb 'Press On'

📖 Definition

Press on means to continue a course of action with determination, despite challenges or delays. It suggests perseverance and an unwavering resolve.

Examples in context

Despite the rain, the hikers pressed on to reach the mountain peak.
He knew the challenges were tough, but he pressed on with his goals.
The soldiers courageously pressed on through enemy lines.

📖 Definition

Press on means to continue a course of action with determination, despite challenges or delays. It suggests perseverance and an unwavering resolve.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The verb and particle cannot be separated.

Neutral

It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

It does not require a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	press on	They press on with their journey, undeterred by setbacks.
Past Simple	pressed on	Despite the difficulties, they pressed on to achieve their goals.
Present Continuous	pressing on	He is pressing on despite the harsh conditions.
Present Perfect	have pressed on	They have pressed on through the toughest of challenges.

💡 When to Use

Facing a difficult task

Use press on when you want to encourage someone to persist in completing a challenging task or project.

Example: "Even though the project is difficult, let’s press on."

Experiencing adversity

Ideal in circumstances where perseverance is required in the face of difficulties or hardships to motivate continued effort.

Example: "Despite the setbacks, Sarah decided to press on with her studies."

Achieving long-term goals

Use this when emphasizing the importance of persistent effort to reach overarching, significant objectives over time.

Example: "To reach his dream of becoming a doctor, he must press on through exams."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Verb-object separation

❌ Wrong: Press the challenge on.

✅ Correct: Press on with the challenge.

💡 Tip: Remember, you cannot split 'press' and 'on'.

Incorrect object use

❌ Wrong: Press on it.

✅ Correct: Press on despite it.

💡 Tip: Use 'despite' and not a direct object.

Wrong tense

❌ Wrong: Pressing on the issue last year.

✅ Correct: Pressed on the issue last year.

💡 Tip: Ensure past tense aligns with past actions.

Practice

PRESS ON - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

Despite the rain, the hikers pressed on to reach the mountain peak.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

He knew the challenges were tough, but he pressed on with his goals.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

The soldiers courageously pressed on through enemy lines.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

persevere persist

Antonyms

give up

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Despite the obstacles in their path, they decided to ___ on and finish the journey."

push

press on

give

stop

"When life throws obstacles your way, press on with determination; the path of persistence leads to growth and fulfillment."

In Context

In the early 20th century, mountaineer George Mallory embarked on his quest to conquer Mount Everest. During the 1920s, expeditions to Everest were fraught with peril, but Mallory’s team pressed on despite the harsh conditions. In 1924, George Mallory and his partner, Andrew Irvine, aimed to reach the summit. Their determination to press on was fueled by Mallory’s famous words, ‘Because it’s there,’ when asked why he wanted to climb the mountain. As they ascended, the weather grew worse, and the altitude sickness took its toll. Yet, they pressed on beyond the point where others would have turned back. The team lost sight of Mallory and Irvine as a snowstorm engulfed the mountain. Despite their fate being unknown for decades, it was ultimately discovered that George Mallory had pressed on to within just a few hundred meters of the summit before he vanished. His story inspired future generations of climbers to press on, despite the mountain’s dangers. Mallory’s tenacity demonstrated the undying spirit of exploration and the drive to push human limits, ensuring his legacy would live on in mountaineering history.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Press On

What is the origin of press on?

Press on originates from the Middle English use of 'press' in the context of exerting force or movement, translating to advance with determination.

Can press on be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'press on' is neutral in tone, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts, particularly when discussing perseverance and determination.

What is the difference between press on and persevere?

'Press on' emphasizes continuing action despite obstacles, while 'persevere' often suggests enduring difficulties with patient persistence to achieve something.

Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

PRESS ON - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Press On

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega