as persistent as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as persistent as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare someone's persistence to that of a well-known persistent entity or characteristic. Example: "She is as persistent as a dog chasing a squirrel, never giving up until she gets what she wants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Charismatic, indefatigable and reviled in many quarters, Mr. Bergson was "as persistent as a force of nature," Mr. Hecht later wrote.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

At last, the record is getting set straight: The Japan of that day was a fantasy in our minds as persistent as any Marxist variety.

Forbes

For articles like this, they tend to be as persistent as mould on a shower curtain, albeit less pleasant and more ill-informed Dean Burnett wrote this purely to wind up the Daily Express and other immigrant-bashing organisations.

The Guardian

Although pancetta and pecorino are delivered right to his door, Mr. Casella has proved himself as persistent as his father in a somewhat different realm: the paper chase.

The New York Times - Food

Neither of these compounds are as persistent as p,p′ -DDE, a highly lipophilic metabolite formed from p,p′ -DDT (Morgan and Roan 1975; Stehr-Green 1989).

Environmental Health Perspectives

"They want to get in and stay in and be as persistent as possible and gather intelligence over a long period of time".

BBC

The hearing aids aren't a cure: in a quiet room, my tinnitus is as persistent as ever.

The New Yorker

When first cut, the juice coats your knife with a glue that's as persistent as the ink it yields.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We're basically stuck between a rock and a hard place," says Mark. Equally as persistent as the gap is its close cousin, the loop.

Vice

Calling it the Wilsons Promontory topodeme, he noted that it colonised sand dunes, had leaves similar to but narrower than integrifolia, and had persisting flowers on old spikes but not as persistent as marginata.

Wikipedia

For all her manners, she can be as persistent as the best of them: she lobbied America's National Football League for a decade before it at last agreed to stage the Superbowl in the cold wastes of Minnesota.Private practicesCarlson's family ownership and the long domination by its founder has fostered a close-knit, loyal atmosphere.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the simile "as persistent as a", choose a comparison that is easily understood and relatable to your audience. For example, "as persistent as a bill collector" or "as persistent as a dripping faucet."

Common error

Avoid using overused comparisons like "as persistent as a fly" that lack originality and impact. Opt for more creative and specific analogies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as persistent as a" functions as a simile, which is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things using "as" or "like." According to Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically correct and serves to emphasize the degree of persistence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

32%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as persistent as a" is a simile used to describe something or someone that demonstrates a high degree of determination and unwillingness to give up. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. The examples show its usage in describing people, problems, and even chemical compounds. To use the phrase effectively, choose a comparison that resonates with your audience, avoiding overused comparisons. Alternatives include "as tenacious as a" or "as relentless as a". Overall, "as persistent as a" is a versatile way to emphasize a quality of persistence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as relentless as a

Emphasizes the unwavering and determined nature, often implying a forceful or even aggressive persistence.

as tenacious as a

Highlights the quality of holding firmly and not letting go, suggesting a strong grip on a goal or idea.

as constant as a

Focuses on the unchanging and consistent nature, implying a steady and reliable persistence.

as determined as a

Highlights a firm decision to achieve something, suggesting a strong will and resolve.

as unwavering as a

Implies a steadfast and resolute quality, suggesting a lack of hesitation or doubt.

as indefatigable as a

Suggests tireless and unyielding effort, emphasizing the ability to persist without fatigue.

as resolute as a

Focuses on a firm and unwavering commitment, suggesting a strong and determined purpose.

as dogged as a

Emphasizes a persistent and determined pursuit, often implying a stubborn refusal to give up.

as unyielding as a

Highlights the quality of being inflexible and resistant, suggesting a firm and unshakeable persistence.

as persevering as a

Focuses on the act of continuing despite difficulties, emphasizing the ability to overcome obstacles.

FAQs

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

You can use "as persistent as a" to describe someone or something that doesn't give up easily. For example, "The detective was "as persistent as a bloodhound" in tracking down the suspect".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "as persistent as a"?

Alternatives include "as tenacious as a", "as relentless as a", or simply using adjectives like "determined", "dogged", or "unwavering".

Which is more effective: saying someone is "persistent" or saying they are "as persistent as a"?

Saying someone is "as persistent as a" can be more effective because it provides a vivid comparison that emphasizes their persistence. However, the impact depends on the specific comparison you use.

What kind of comparisons work well with "as persistent as a"?

Effective comparisons highlight entities known for their persistence, such as "as persistent as a salesman", "as persistent as a toddler" asking for candy, or "as persistent as a virus".