he was very persistent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was very persistent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who continues to try or pursue something despite difficulties or challenges. Example: "Despite facing numerous setbacks, he was very persistent in his efforts to achieve his goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

He was very persistent.

The New York Times - Style

"He was very persistent," Ms. Wilson said.

The New York Times

"He was very persistent that night, flirtatious," Ms. Filipic recalled.

The New York Times

"I wasn't interested at the time, but he was very persistent".

The New York Times

"He was very persistent with me, but remained very loyal the entire time," Ms. Atkins said.

The New York Times

"Lester started calling me, and he was very persistent, but I kept pushing him back," Ms. Samuels remembered.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Larry has a commitment to quality—he is very persistent and pays attention to detail," says Professor Littman, his advisor.

Princeton University

But she was very persistent.

The New York Times

He's very persistent, in a polite, engaging way.

The New York Times

"He's very persistent and he's a hard worker," DiPuma said.

The New York Times

"But he's very persistent," she said, "and he took a lesson every day, and he was very proud of himself -- he could get out there, and he definitely was living life to its fullest".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he was very persistent" in situations where you want to highlight someone's resilience in the face of obstacles or setbacks.

Common error

While acceptable, "he was very persistent" might sound too informal in certain professional or academic writing. Opt for stronger synonyms like "tenacious" or "resolute" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was very persistent" functions as a descriptive statement, attributing a quality (persistence) to a subject (he). It emphasizes the degree to which someone exhibited persistence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he was very persistent" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase to describe someone's strong determination. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not the most formal option, it's suitable for a wide range of contexts, particularly in news and media. If a more sophisticated tone is needed, alternatives such as "he showed great tenacity" or ""he demonstrated unwavering resolve"" can be used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was very determined

A simpler and more direct way of expressing persistence.

he showed great tenacity

Emphasizes the quality of being determined and resolute; uses a more formal tone.

he demonstrated unwavering resolve

Highlights the steadfast nature of his determination; conveys a strong sense of purpose.

he pursued relentlessly

Focuses on the continuous and forceful nature of his pursuit.

he kept at it

An informal way of saying someone didn't give up; emphasizes effort over inherent qualities.

he pressed on regardless

Highlights overcoming obstacles and continuing despite challenges.

he insisted repeatedly

Focuses on repeated attempts to persuade or demand something.

he didn't take no for an answer

Emphasizes his refusal to accept rejection or failure.

he persevered against all odds

Highlights the difficulty of the situation and his determination to overcome it.

he stuck to his guns

An idiom emphasizing his refusal to change his opinion or course of action.

FAQs

How can I use "he was very persistent" in a sentence?

You can use "he was very persistent" to describe someone who continues to try or pursue something despite difficulties or challenges. For example, "Despite facing numerous setbacks, "he was very persistent" in his efforts to achieve his goals."

What can I say instead of "he was very persistent"?

You can use alternatives like "he was quite tenacious", "he was extremely determined", or "he demonstrated unwavering resolve" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "he was very persistent"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English. Ludwig AI confirms this.

What is the difference between "he was persistent" and "he was very persistent"?

Adding "very" intensifies the degree of persistence. "He was persistent" simply states that he showed persistence, while ""he was very persistent"" emphasizes a higher level of determination and perseverance.