dogged persistence

USAGE SUMMARY

'dogged persistence' is a valid phrase and is commonly used in written English.
It refers to persistence in the face of difficulties or obstacles. For example: "Despite encountering numerous setbacks along the way, he managed to achieve his goal through dogged persistence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I've never seen such dogged persistence.

The Guardian

A heavyset man with gray hair, Hamman exudes dogged persistence.

The New York Times - Sports

Technical feats are undertaken, and mostly achieved, with dogged persistence.

The New York Times - Arts

Same again, please Dogged persistence What's in a meme?

The Economist

Lievsay was thunderstruck by the combination of ingenuity, artistry, and dogged persistence.

The Guardian - Film

Part of life in heavy industry involves a certain dogged persistence in pursuing incremental improvements.

The New York Times

Mr. Bellow, who turned 85 last summer, was eventually won over by Mr. Atlas's dogged persistence.

The New York Times - Books

But the dogged persistence of certain American shibboleths has always struck me as somewhat curious.

The New Yorker

His considerable personal charm and dogged persistence influenced archivists across the United States.

The Guardian

HAS any Hollywood institution shown more dogged persistence than the "Saturday Night Live" spinoff movie?

The New York Times

The mood of buoyancy gives way to a mood of dogged persistence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's ability to overcome challenges, use "dogged persistence" to emphasize their unwavering commitment and resilience.

Common error

Avoid using "dogged persistence" when the effort leads to unproductive or harmful outcomes. Stubbornness implies inflexibility, whereas "dogged persistence" suggests a positive, determined approach.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dogged persistence" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

23%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dogged persistence" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes unwavering determination in the face of obstacles. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across various contexts. As highlighted by the examples, it is particularly prevalent in News & Media, Academia, and Science. While generally positive, consider potential connotations of inflexibility. Alternatives like "relentless perseverance" or "unyielding determination" offer nuanced variations. Remember to differentiate it from stubbornness, which implies a less productive rigidity. Employ "dogged persistence" to effectively emphasize admirable resilience and commitment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persistent tenacity

Combines "persistence" with "tenacity", underscoring the firmness and resolve in pursuing a goal.

relentless perseverance

Substitutes "dogged" with "relentless" and "persistence" with "perseverance", highlighting the continuous and unwavering effort.

determined perseverance

Emphasizes the conscious decision and resolve behind the act of persevering.

unyielding determination

Replaces "persistence" with "determination" and "dogged" with "unyielding", focusing on the strength and resolve.

resolute determination

Highlights the firm and unwavering nature of the determination.

unwavering resolve

Focuses on the firmness of decision and intent, highlighting the strength of purpose.

steady perseverance

Stresses the consistent and unflagging nature of the effort.

unflagging commitment

Highlights the unwavering dedication and devotion to a particular goal or cause.

indomitable spirit

Shifts the focus to the inner strength and resilience that drives the persistence.

sustained effort

Emphasizes the continuous and prolonged application of energy and resources.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "dogged persistence" in a sentence?

Use "dogged persistence" to describe someone's admirable quality of continuously striving towards a goal despite facing significant obstacles. For example: "Her dogged persistence led to the successful completion of the project."

What are some alternatives to "dogged persistence"?

You can use alternatives like "unyielding determination", "relentless perseverance", or "persistent tenacity" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a negative connotation to using "dogged persistence"?

While "dogged persistence" generally carries a positive connotation, it can sometimes imply a degree of stubbornness or inflexibility. Consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning. Using alternative phrases like "determined perseverance" can help avoid negative implications.

What's the difference between "dogged persistence" and "stubbornness"?

"Dogged persistence" suggests a determined and unwavering effort toward a goal, even in the face of adversity. "Stubbornness", on the other hand, implies an inflexible refusal to change one's approach, even when it's counterproductive. While both involve sticking to a course of action, "dogged persistence" is generally viewed as a positive trait, while stubbornness is often seen as negative.