persist in

USAGE SUMMARY

"persist in" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "persist in" to mean continuing to do something despite difficulty or opposition. For example: "She persisted in her efforts to complete the project, refusing to give up despite numerous setbacks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Also, ethnic tensions persist in the north.

The New York Times

He should persist in Palestine, too.

The Economist

So why persist in this venture?

The New York Times - Books

Substantial gaps persist in basic oceanographic knowledge.

The New York Times

I persist in believing they were right.

The Guardian - Books

But I must persist in that matter".

The Guardian - Music

And yet you persist in writing novels.

The New York Times - Books

His methods persist in moderated form.

The New York Times

But commanders persist in keeping up appearances.

The New York Times

Why does he persist in writing fiction at all?

The Guardian - Books

I persist in turning it back to face the sea.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "persist in", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the subject is continuing to do despite potential obstacles or resistance. For example, "Despite the criticism, she persisted in her research."

Common error

Avoid using "persist in" when a simple "continue" or "continue with" would suffice. "Persist in" implies facing some form of adversity or challenge, making it inappropriate for neutral or positive continuation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "persist in" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the continuation of an action or state despite obstacles or resistance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, as demonstrated by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "persist in" is a phrasal verb used to describe continuing an action despite difficulty or opposition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various domains, most notably in News & Media and Science. When using "persist in", ensure the context clarifies what the subject is continuing to do and that adversity is clearly implied. Consider alternatives like "continue with" or "persevere with" based on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay the course

Emphasizes the importance of completing a plan or journey despite challenges.

persevere with

Highlights the effort and determination required to overcome obstacles.

remain committed to

Focuses on the dedication and resolve in maintaining a course of action.

continue with

Focuses on the continuation of an action or activity, often implying a determined effort.

press on with

Highlights the act of moving forward despite obstacles or discouragement.

stick with

Suggests loyalty and adherence to something, often a plan or a person.

keep at

Suggests a more casual and ongoing effort toward a task.

hold on to

Emphasizes maintaining a belief, idea, or possession despite difficulty.

endure in

Focuses on lasting or surviving through difficult circumstances.

stand by

Implies supporting or adhering to a decision or principle, even when faced with opposition.

FAQs

How can I use "persist in" in a sentence?

You can use "persist in" to describe continuing to do something despite difficulty or opposition. For example: "The athlete "persisted in" training even after the injury."

What are some alternatives to using "persist in"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "continue with", "persevere with", or "keep at".

Is it better to say "persist in" or just "persist"?

While "persist" can be used alone, "persist in" is used when you want to specify what action or belief someone continues with. For example, "She "persisted in" her efforts" is more specific than "She persisted."

What's the difference between "persist in" and "insist on"?

"Persist in" means to continue doing something despite difficulty, while "insist on" means to demand or strongly assert something. For example, "He "persisted in" asking questions" versus "He "insisted on" an answer."