it only persists

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it only persists" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing something that continues to exist or endure without change or interruption. Example: "Despite the challenges, the issue it only persists, causing ongoing frustration for the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It only persists in griping about the electoral procedures as an insurance policy, in case it fails to secure the victory it expects.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Ship reports from the vicinity of the system indicate it regained some strength once over open waters, although it only persisted a couple more days before it disappeared on records.

Wikipedia

While hypermetabolism, expressed as a percentage of the predicted resting energy expenditure, was present in all groups from admission to discharge, it only persisted in the two most severely burned groups.

Critical Care

WELL STOP SENSING THAT PATTERN, because it will only persist for one more week.

Huffington Post

If the cost of living continues to rise in this lumbering economy then it surely won't be a surprise if the number of Americans leaving the country only persists in rising too.

Huffington Post

This claim has some theoretical validity, but forgets that malaria only persists with poor infrastructure and health care.

The Guardian

By contrast, black carbon generally only persists in the air for a week to 10 days, so its presence across the globe is far more variable.

The New York Times - Science

We note however that the torus bifurcation of the full system only persists down to r x ≃ − 5.10.

The Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience

When we split the sample by gender, we find that the positive effect of mother's years since migration only persists for boys.

IZA Journal of Migration

However, this relies upon an active soil biological pool, as phosphatase only persists for a few days in a non-sterile environment [12, 14].

Geochemical Transactions

Today that "heightened feeling" not only persists, but seems to be even more intense.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it only persists", ensure the context clearly defines what 'it' refers to, avoiding ambiguity. Providing specific details enhances clarity and strengthens the overall message.

Common error

Avoid using "it only persists" in overly convoluted sentences. Simplifying sentence structure can improve readability and prevent the phrase from becoming buried within unnecessary clauses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it only persists" functions as a clause element, typically the verb phrase, within a sentence. It asserts the continuation of a condition or state, often implying a lack of significant change or resolution. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it only persists" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that indicates something continues to exist, often with implications of limited change or duration. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its primary function is to describe enduring situations, and it fits well within neutral registers. While versatile, it is most effective when used in contexts where clarity is paramount, avoiding complex sentence structures that might obscure its meaning. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its usage across diverse sources like news, scientific articles, and general reference materials.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it merely continues

Focuses on the simple continuation of something, downplaying other aspects.

it simply endures

Emphasizes the ongoing existence of something, possibly under difficult conditions.

it just lasts

Highlights the duration of something without necessarily implying ongoing effort.

it solely remains

Stresses that something exists as the only thing of its kind left.

it uniquely survives

Implies that something not only lasts but does so in a way that distinguishes it from others.

it barely lingers

Highlights how something continues to exist with an effort.

it alone holds on

Highlights how only one thing keeps existing.

it scarcely abides

Emphasizes how the duration is very limited.

it only carries on

Implies a sense of perseverance.

it uniquely resists

Emphasizes how something exists by opposing something.

FAQs

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

Use "it only persists" to describe something that continues to exist or endure, often implying a limited duration or lack of change. For example: "Despite the interventions, the problem "it only persists"."

What are some alternatives to "it only persists"?

Alternatives include "it merely continues", "it simply endures", or "it just lasts", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it only persists" formal or informal?

"It only persists" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness largely depends on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

What does "it only persists" imply?

"It only persists" implies that something continues to exist, often suggesting a lack of progress or change. It can also indicate a temporary or limited duration of existence.