a persistent source

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a persistent source" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that consistently provides information, energy, or influence over time. Example: "The researcher identified a persistent source of funding that allowed the project to continue for several years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

This is a persistent source of strain and conflict in modern societies.

Britannica

The ideology of American lawyers has been a persistent source of discussion and debate.

Harvard University

However, corruption allegations have been a persistent source of trouble for the DPA.

The Economist

But the economy, he said, "is a persistent source of discontent," unlike the other two, which can ebb and flow depending on daily events.

The New York Times

China's military exports, particularly weapons sales to Pakistan and Iran, have been a persistent source of tension in relations between China and the United States.

The New York Times

Control over the site has been a persistent source of friction between Israel and the Palestinians, and has sparked violence between the two sides.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

At the Hanford 300 A, the persistent source is adsorbed U VI) in the vadose zone that is released to the aquifer during spring water table excursions.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

We defined a mother rotor as a stationary, persistent source that actively drives VF, which terminates when the mother rotor is eliminated.

American Journal of Physiology - Heart and Circulatory Physiology

We define mother rotor VF as a stationary persistent source that lasts for at least 5 s and actively induces wavebreaks.

American Journal of Physiology - Heart and Circulatory Physiology

Besides detecting the powerful FRBs, the team also observed an ongoing, persistent source of weaker radio emission in the same region.

Huffington Post

This is of notable importance because residual NAPL can act as a non negligible persistent source of contamination.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a persistent source", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the source is consistently providing or causing. For instance, specify whether it's a source of information, trouble, or contamination.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a persistent source" automatically implies negativity. While often used in negative contexts (e.g., "a persistent source of conflict"), it can also describe positive and reliable provision (e.g., "a persistent source of funding").

Linguistic Context

"A persistent source" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies something that continuously provides or causes a particular effect. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a persistent source" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe something that continuously provides or causes a particular effect over time. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While often associated with negative situations, it can also describe positive and reliable provision. When using this phrase, clarity is essential to specify what the source consistently provides or causes. Alternatives such as "a constant source" or "a relentless source" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a relentless source

Emphasizes the unyielding and continuous nature of the source.

a constant source

Highlights the unchanging and regular nature of the source.

a steady source

Emphasizes the reliable and consistent nature of the source.

a continual source

Emphasizes the ongoing and uninterrupted nature of the source.

a sustained source

Implies that the source is maintained or supported over time.

a stubborn source

Focuses on the difficulty in eliminating or changing the source.

a lasting source

Highlights the enduring and permanent nature of the source.

a chronic source

Suggests a long-term and recurring problem or issue.

a continuous stream

Emphasizes the uninterrupted flow or supply from the source.

a regular contributor

Highlights the consistent and recurring contributions from the source.

FAQs

How can I use "a persistent source" in a sentence?

Use "a persistent source" to describe something that consistently provides or causes something over a long period. For example, "The old factory was "a persistent source" of pollution for the river".

What can I say instead of "a persistent source"?

You can use alternatives like "a constant source", "a relentless source", or "a continual source" depending on the context.

Is "a persistent source" always negative?

No, although it is often used in negative contexts, "a persistent source" can also refer to something positive that is reliably provided over time. The context should clarify whether the source is beneficial or detrimental.

What's the difference between "a persistent source" and "a temporary source"?

"A persistent source" implies something that continues to provide or cause something over a long period, while "a temporary source" suggests something that only provides or causes something for a limited time.