he persists

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he persists" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who continues to do something despite difficulties or challenges. Example: "Despite the setbacks, he persists in his efforts to achieve his goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

But he persists.

The Guardian

And so he persists.

The New York Times

Still, he persists in saying so.

The New York Times - Sports

It's great to be out here,' " he persists.

The Washington Post

Yet he persists in focusing purely on the abstract.

The New York Times - Books

Even so, he persists in a larger dream.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

However, he persisted.

Columbia University

Still, he persisted.

The New Yorker

"Why?" he persisted.

The New York Times

"No, no," he persisted.

The New York Times

"I'm not," he persisted.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he persists" to describe someone's admirable determination in the face of adversity or when emphasizing their continued efforts despite challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "he persists" when the continued action is clearly detrimental or harmful. Persistence implies a positive connotation of determination, while stubbornness suggests an unwillingness to change course even when it's necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he persists" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating the continuation of an action or state. Ludwig shows many examples where it emphasizes ongoing effort despite challenges. It highlights the subject's determination.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

18%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he persists" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe someone's ongoing effort despite challenges. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples from reliable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the connotation, ensuring that persistence is portrayed positively and not as mere stubbornness. Alternatives like "he perseveres" or "he continues relentlessly" can be used to add nuance or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he perseveres

Emphasizes determination and steadfastness in the face of challenges.

he continues relentlessly

Highlights the ongoing and forceful nature of the action.

he carries on stubbornly

Suggests a more rigid and possibly unreasonable continuation.

he remains steadfast

Focuses on the unwavering commitment to a particular course.

he doesn't give up

Emphasizes the refusal to surrender or quit.

he stays the course

Highlights the commitment to finishing a task or achieving a goal.

he keeps pushing forward

Focuses on the proactive effort to make progress.

he soldiers on

Implies enduring hardship or difficulty with resilience.

he holds on

Highlights the act of maintaining one's grip or position despite adversity.

he bears with it

Suggests tolerating or enduring something unpleasant or difficult.

FAQs

How can I use "he persists" in a sentence?

Use "he persists" to describe someone who continues to do something despite facing difficulties or opposition. For example: "Despite the setbacks, "he persists" in his efforts to achieve his goals".

What are some alternatives to "he persists"?

You can use alternatives like "he perseveres", "he continues relentlessly", or "he doesn't give up" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "he persists" and "he insists"?

"He persists" implies continuing an action or effort despite difficulty, while "he insists" means to demand or assert something forcefully. They are not interchangeable.

Is it always positive to say that "he persists"?

While persistence often carries a positive connotation, it can also imply stubbornness or inflexibility in some contexts. Ensure that the continued action is ultimately beneficial or justifiable before using the phrase.