dogged tenacity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dogged tenacity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a persistent and determined attitude or behavior in the face of challenges. Example: "Her dogged tenacity in pursuing her goals despite numerous setbacks is truly inspiring."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

No, I think the other quality in Chenjerai Mangezo is patience, a dogged tenacity.

The New York Times - Books

Kudos to Warren St. John for so succinctly capturing the intense effort and dogged tenacity of my colleagues worldwide.

The New York Times

After months of investigating with the dogged tenacity of Ralph Henderson pursuing Baron R**, I was no closer than Symons in discovering the solution.

The New York Times - Books

The second big story is the phone-hacking scandal, over which this paper's dogged tenacity was as heroic as News International's foot-dragging was utterly shameful.

The Guardian - Opinion

Which begs the question how good a performance is this from Choi? Quite brilliant so far and recalling, to me at least, the dogged tenacity shown by José María Olazábal back at the US Masters in 1999.

The Guardian - Sport

In a letter of condolence to Mr Jeyaretnam's two sons, he accused their father of helping "neither to build up a constructive opposition, nor our parliamentary tradition".Yet, the younger Mr Lee added, one had to respect Mr Jeyaretnam's "dogged tenacity".

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Anyone in doubt as to the state of Popeye Doyle's soul needed only to look at the state of his car, while the pursuit itself had all the dogged, terrierlike tenacity of the man himself: car chase as character study.

The New York Times

Among them were persistence, tenacity and a dogged determination in the face of adversity.

Huffington Post

In the shambolic early weeks of the Clinton administration he was a reassuring figure, older, tidier and palpably wiser than the cocky young baby-boomers then overrunning the White House.He had come up through the attorney-general's office under Lyndon Johnson, where his tenacity had recommended him: a dogged, uncomplaining appetite for tedious sorts of work.

The Economist

The owners' dogged determination to maintain a feudal way of life in the N.F.L. required a leader with Upshaw's qualities -- tenacity, dedication, a thick skin and a sense of diplomacy.

The New York Times - Sports

3.  Tenacity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "dogged tenacity" with examples of actions or achievements to illustrate the impact of such determination. This strengthens the description and makes it more vivid.

Common error

While "dogged tenacity" is a strong phrase, avoid using it repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "unyielding determination" or "relentless perseverance" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dogged tenacity" functions as a descriptive attribute, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to highlight a characteristic of persistent determination. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct and acceptable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dogged tenacity" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It describes a persistent and determined attitude in the face of challenges. While not extremely common, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. When writing, use "dogged tenacity" to showcase admirable persistence, but avoid overuse by varying vocabulary with synonyms such as "unyielding determination" or "relentless perseverance". It's a powerful descriptor, especially effective when highlighting someone's refusal to give up despite difficulties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unyielding determination

Replaces "dogged" with "unyielding", highlighting the firmness and inflexibility of the determination.

persistent resolve

Uses "resolve" instead of "tenacity", focusing on the firmness of the decision or intention.

relentless perseverance

Emphasizes the continuous effort and determination to overcome obstacles.

unwavering persistence

Stresses the steadfast and consistent nature of the persistence.

determined grit

Replaces "tenacity" with "grit", highlighting courage and resolve.

resolute commitment

Focuses on the unwavering dedication and pledge to a cause or goal.

firmness of purpose

Highlights the strong and unwavering intention behind the actions.

indomitable spirit

Emphasizes the unbreakable and resilient nature of the spirit or attitude.

tenacious pursuit

Focuses on the act of chasing or striving for something with great determination.

stubborn perseverance

Implies a more resistant or inflexible form of persistence, often in the face of opposition.

FAQs

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

Use "dogged tenacity" to highlight persistent efforts despite challenges. For example, "Despite numerous setbacks, her "dogged tenacity" led to success".

What are some alternatives to "dogged tenacity"?

Alternatives include "unyielding determination", "persistent resolve", or "relentless perseverance", each emphasizing a slightly different aspect of persistent effort.

In what contexts is "dogged tenacity" most appropriate?

"Dogged tenacity" suits contexts where someone faces significant resistance or difficulty. It's ideal for describing efforts in overcoming obstacles, achieving goals, or pursuing justice.

What is the difference between "dogged tenacity" and simple "persistence"?

"Dogged tenacity" implies a more intense and determined form of persistence. While persistence means continuing despite difficulty, "dogged tenacity" suggests an unwavering, almost stubborn, commitment to achieving a goal, even in the face of extreme adversity.