if it persists

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if it persists" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation or condition that continues over time and may require attention or action. Example: "Please let me know if the issue continues, and I will address it if it persists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If it persists in undermining the NHS, its workforce and the patients it serves, these issues will only continue.

The Guardian - Opinion

And if it persists, the pressure will continue to mount, and its isolation will continue to deepen".

The New York Times

Given its heft, China would lose much credibility in Asean if it persists with this "hard" approach.

BBC

If it persists, it would confound economic history.

The Washington Post

If it persists, changing to a different beta blocker can often take care of the problem.

Harvard University

But that becomes harder if it persists and raises expectations of future inflation.

The Economist

"If it persists, it will create an additional obstacle to reduce hunger," he said.

The New York Times

The border closure, if it persists, could damage Iraqi Kurdistan's economy, officials said.

The New York Times

Sleep restriction is chronic if it persists for more than 24 hours.

Nature

But the oil increase, if it persists, will have a broader effect.

The New York Times

If it persists, it could spell real trouble for the Democrats a year from now.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the time frame implied by "persists". Use it when referring to something that lasts longer than a fleeting moment but isn't necessarily permanent.

Common error

Avoid using "if it persists" when discussing very short-term or immediate issues. The phrase implies a certain duration or continuation that isn't appropriate for momentary events.

Linguistic Context

Conditional clause introduction. The phrase "if it persists" introduces a conditional clause, indicating a situation that, should it continue, will lead to a particular consequence or necessitate a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

27%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "if it persists" is a common and grammatically sound way to introduce a conditional clause, indicating that a situation's continuation will lead to certain consequences. Ludwig AI analysis reveals that it's frequently used in news, science, and general contexts. When employing this phrase, clarity and relevance are key; ensure the 'it' is well-defined and the implied timeframe aligns with the context. Alternatives like "if it continues" or "should it remain" offer similar meaning. Given its frequent appearance across multiple sources, "if it persists" is a reliable and effective phrase to use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if it continues

Focuses on the ongoing nature of the situation, similar to "if it persists".

if it carries on

Emphasizes the uninterrupted progress of an event or condition.

if it endures

Highlights the lasting or prolonged aspect of the subject in question.

if it remains

Stresses the unchanged state of something over a period of time.

should it continue

Formal alternative emphasizing continuation.

if it holds up

Implies the ability to withstand challenges over time.

if it keeps up

Highlights consistent activity or behavior.

assuming it persists

Adds a layer of assumption about the continued existence of something.

provided it persists

Introduces a condition that depends on the continuation of something.

if it doesn't stop

Focuses on the absence of cessation or interruption.

FAQs

How can I use "if it persists" in a sentence?

You can use "if it persists" to describe a condition or issue that may continue over time. For example, "If the pain continues, and "if it persists", you should consult a doctor."

What's a good alternative to "if it persists"?

Alternatives include "if it continues", "if it remains", or "should it continue", depending on the desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "if it persists" or "if it continues"?

Both "if it persists" and "if it continues" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "Persists" emphasizes a more stubborn or prolonged continuation, while "continues" is a more general term.

What does "if it persists" imply about the situation?

"If it persists" suggests that a problem, symptom, or situation is expected to last for a noticeable duration, prompting the need for further action or investigation.