a persisting question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a persisting question" is not commonly used in written English; the correct term is "a persistent question." You can use it when referring to a question that continues to arise or remains relevant over time.
Example: "The issue of climate change remains a persistent question in environmental discussions."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

There remained a persisting question of whether it all mattered on those long, tired bus rides back from the Rose Bowl.

Huffington Post

The reasons for this rather generally observed phenomenon in Charcot Marie Tooth disease pose a persisting question, still lacking completely satisfactory answers.

Brain

He also took on right away a persisting question: Why do the devices cost so much, $678, when they are available in stores for less?

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

One persisting question with regard to the American military structure within Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq: Where were the chaplains?

The New York Times

In this study we addressed the persisting question of cell-wide consequences of proteostasis failure in specific cellular compartments.

Nature

Additionally, New York magazine's Vulture blog reports frequent clashes between Harmon and Sony, and persisting questions about his managerial style.

Huffington Post

Rather, it does point to the persisting questions around the overall value of invasive cardiac procedures.

BMC Health Services Research

With every move Suleman makes, including her latest "firing" of the free in-home child care services provided by a national charity, a question persists: Can she be charged with child abuse or neglect and stripped of her children for attempting to single-handedly mother 14 children, 8 of them premature infants?

Huffington Post

And as the new 12th plan is finalised at a time of stalled reforms and economic concerns, a question persists: what difference has the Planning Commission actually made?This is not about the country missing some targets, most of which are entirely beyond the commission's control.

The Economist

Palmer persisted after question time, issuing a statement.

The Guardian

Why has the Guardian suppressed so many of the PRISM slides when questions persist on the question of direct access?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To improve clarity, provide context around the question. Explain its relevance and why it remains unresolved.

Common error

Many writers mistakenly use "persisting" when "persistent" is more appropriate. "Persistent" describes something that continues or recurs, while "persisting" is a verb form indicating the act of continuing. Use "a persistent question" instead of "a persisting question".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a persisting question" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific question that remains relevant or unresolved over time. Ludwig's AI notes that while understandable, the term "persistent" is a better choice.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "a persisting question" is understandable, it's generally advisable to use the term "a persistent question" instead, as it adheres more closely to standard English usage. Ludwig's AI highlights that "persistent" is a better adjective choice in this context. The phrase appears in news, media, and scientific contexts, indicating its versatility but potential for improvement in terms of clarity and precision. When writing, consider providing context and using alternative phrases to improve the quality and impact of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an enduring question

Changes 'persisting' to 'enduring', emphasizing the lasting nature of the question.

a lingering question

Substitutes 'persisting' with 'lingering', suggesting the question remains present and unresolved.

a recurring question

Replaces 'persisting' with 'recurring', highlighting that the question appears repeatedly.

an unresolved question

Focuses on the lack of a solution or answer to the question.

a remaining question

Highlights that the question is left over or outstanding.

a constant question

Emphasizes the continuous presence of the question.

a perennial question

Indicates that the question is long-lasting and frequently revisited.

a standing question

Suggests the question is formally recognized and awaiting attention.

an outstanding issue

Shifts focus from 'question' to 'issue', implying a broader problem needing resolution.

a continuous inquiry

Replaces 'question' with 'inquiry', suggesting a more formal or investigative approach.

FAQs

Is "a persisting question" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "a persisting question" is less common than "a persistent question". The adjective "persistent" is generally preferred over the participle form "persisting" in this context.

What's a better alternative to "a persisting question"?

A stronger alternative is "a persistent question". Other options include "an enduring question", "a lingering question", or "a recurring question", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "a persisting question" in a sentence?

You can use "a persisting question" to describe an issue that remains relevant or unresolved over time. For example: "There remains a persisting question of whether it all mattered."

What is the difference between "a persisting question" and "a persistent question"?

"Persisting" implies the act of continuing, while "persistent" describes something that continues to exist or occur. Therefore, "a persistent question" is generally a better choice as it directly describes the nature of the question itself.