ability to persist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to persist" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's capacity to continue striving or working towards a goal despite challenges or obstacles. Example: "Her ability to persist in the face of adversity is truly inspiring."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Dennis has this remarkable ability to persist," said Dennis E. Eckart, a former Democratic congressman from Cleveland.

The New York Times

But the first step is to single out those cells with the ability to persist for a long time.

Independent

And Lizzy learns to trust in the sturdiness of individuals — in their ability to persist, to survive, even to thrive, through the most dramatic changes and upheavals.

The New Yorker

"That's the foundation of literacy, but it's also the foundation of curiosity, self-confidence, self-control and the ability to persist in hard tasks in school".

The New York Times

The magic and the mystery is precisely the ability to persist in this mad mix of modern reproduction, imitation, quotation and – let's be clear – degradation, yet still come out on top.

The Guardian - Arts

"We can win or lose but we believe in the values life teaches you: respect, perseverance, the willingness to get up again, the ability to persist even against those more talented, to compete.

The Guardian - Sport

Vitality shows not only in the ability to persist but the ability to start over.

Forbes

Vitality shows in not only the ability to persist but the ability to start over.

Forbes

Persisting at a task can temporarily reduce one's ability to persist at subsequent tasks.

Psychology of Sport and Exercise

This reservoir of genetic and phenotypic diversity increases a species' ability to persist through environmental changes.

Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals

Little is known about their ability to persist over time and spill across contexts.

Economics Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a personal attribute, pair "ability to persist" with specific examples to showcase how this ability manifests in practice. For example, "Her ability to persist through setbacks, such as the failed product launch, ultimately led to the company's success."

Common error

Avoid using "ability to persist" in scenarios where simpler words like "patience" or "diligence" would suffice. Using sophisticated language in simple contexts can make your writing sound unnatural and pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to persist" functions as a noun phrase that describes a capability or quality. It's often used as a subject or object in a sentence to denote someone or something's capacity to continue despite challenges. Ludwig's examples confirm this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

36%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ability to persist" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression denoting the capacity to continue despite difficulties. As shown in Ludwig's examples, its applications span across diverse fields like science, news, and formal communication. While generally appropriate, remember to use it judiciously and avoid overuse in overly simplistic contexts. Consider using synonyms like "perseverance" or "determination" for nuanced meanings. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is indeed usable and correct in written English, making it a valuable asset in your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persistence

Highlights the act of continuing firmly or obstinately in a course of action despite difficulty or opposition.

perseverance

Stresses continued effort and determination in overcoming obstacles.

capacity to endure

Focuses on the ability to withstand hardship over a prolonged period.

determination

Highlights firmness of purpose; resoluteness.

tenacity

Emphasizes a strong will and determination to hold on to something.

resolve

Emphasizes a firm decision to do something.

resilience

Focuses on the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

grit

Implies courage and resolve; strength of character.

staying power

Refers to the ability to last or continue effectively for a long time.

fortitude

Highlights courage in pain or adversity.

FAQs

What does "ability to persist" mean?

The phrase "ability to persist" refers to the capacity to continue striving towards a goal or maintaining a certain state, despite facing difficulties, obstacles, or setbacks. It encompasses traits like determination, resilience, and perseverance.

How can I improve my "ability to persist"?

Enhancing your "ability to persist" involves setting clear goals, developing a strong support system, practicing self-compassion, and learning from failures. Building resilience and maintaining a positive mindset are also crucial.

What are some synonyms for "ability to persist"?

Synonyms for "ability to persist" include "perseverance", "tenacity", "determination", "resilience", and "grit". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

How is "ability to persist" different from "stubbornness"?

"Ability to persist" implies a rational and adaptive approach to overcoming challenges, whereas "stubbornness" suggests an inflexible and potentially counterproductive adherence to a course of action, even when it's clearly not working. The key difference lies in adaptability and wisdom.