if this persists

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if this persists" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a condition that may lead to a consequence if a situation continues over time. Example: "If this persists, we may need to reconsider our strategy moving forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

If this persists, humans may have to move to Mars.

Independent

If this persists, it will act as a drag on growth for the Swipes.

The New York Times

While McClaren's position will be untenable if this persists, it is tempting to wonder whether his team is simply unmanageable.

The Guardian - Sport

If this persists, there will soon be another national discussion about whether the Redskins put their young star on the field too soon.

The New York Times - Sports

If this persists, it may limit the effect of the project.

BMC Medical Education

If this persists long enough, flattening of the humeral head and joint incongruence will ensue.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

If a situation like this persists, then find another professor to talk to, if possible in the same department.

WikiHow

"You've got to question the effectiveness of our regulatory system if a company like this persists with these kinds of violations".

Los Angeles Times

If this trend persists, the genes for promiscuity could die out.

The New York Times - Books

"I have heard two days of weeping from our elders: what if this problem persists?

The Guardian

If this situation persists, there will be no need for future administrators.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if this persists" to clearly indicate a conditional situation where the continuation of a current state will lead to specific consequences. Ensure the context makes clear what "this" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "if this persists" when the referent of "this" is unclear. Always ensure the reader can easily identify what is being referred to in order to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if this persists" functions as an adverbial clause of condition. It introduces a hypothetical situation (the continuation of something) and sets the stage for the main clause, which describes the consequence. Examples in Ludwig illustrate this use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "if this persists" is a conditional clause used to indicate that the continuation of a situation will lead to specific consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and wiki sources. While it maintains a neutral to formal tone, ensuring clarity in its reference is crucial for effective communication. Alternative phrases like "if this continues" can be used for a less formal approach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if this continues

Replaces "persists" with a more common synonym, maintaining the conditional meaning.

if this carries on

Uses a more informal phrasal verb to convey the idea of continuation.

should this continue

Employs a more formal tone with "should", while still indicating a conditional continuation.

if this situation endures

Substitutes "persists" with "endures", adding a sense of prolonged existence.

in the event this continues

Introduces a more formal and emphatic conditional clause.

assuming this continues

Shifts the focus to the assumption that the current state will continue.

if the current trend continues

Specifically addresses a trend, replacing "this" with a clearer subject.

if this pattern remains

Highlights the consistency of a pattern, rather than a general state.

as long as this lasts

Focuses on the duration of the current state, indicating a time-dependent condition.

if this state of affairs remains

Replaces "this" with "this state of affairs" to offer a more descriptive and formal alternative.

FAQs

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

The phrase "if this persists" is used to introduce a condition. It indicates that if a certain situation continues, a particular outcome is likely to occur. For example: "If this lack of funding persists, the project will be delayed."

What are some alternatives to "if this persists"?

You can use alternatives like "if this continues", "should this continue", or "if this situation endures" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "if this continues" or "if this persists"?

Both "if this continues" and "if this persists" are grammatically correct. "If this persists" is slightly more formal, while "if this continues" is more common in everyday language. Choose the one that best fits the tone of your writing.

What does "this" refer to when using "if this persists"?

When using "if this persists", "this" refers to a previously mentioned situation, condition, or trend. It's essential to ensure that the context makes it clear what "this" is referring to, to avoid ambiguity.