persist in asking

USAGE SUMMARY

"persist in asking" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to continue asking or insisting on something despite obstacles or resistance. Example: She persisted in asking for a raise, even though her boss kept refusing her requests.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

People persist in asking Delphine, "Why are you crying?" She spends much of the film running from people.

The Guardian - Film

Some older people do not understand what "partner" means, for instance, and persist in asking about a neighbor's husband or wife.

The New York Times

"Regardless of whether it works or not, I will persist in asking the government to fulfill its promises and improve the human-rights situation".

The New Yorker

But could it all be a dream, or a delusion, and how weary are we of movies that persist in asking that question?

The New Yorker

Say nothing, but appear to be saying something, control all news media contacts, punish those reporters who persist in asking real questions.

The New York Times

Seven years after "The Sopranos" went cold, we persist in asking this question with an ardor that, by this point, borders on the necrophilic.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Reporters persisted in asking questions about the city's budget crisis.

The New York Times

So Lisette had persisted in asking her mother, Was it Daddy she was going away with?

The New Yorker

When I persisted in asking for the Hungarian socialist magazine, two older female librarians discreetly supplied it.

The New Yorker

Dinesh told me, after I persisted in asking, that he had done time as a prisoner awaiting trial.

The New Yorker

If I had persisted in asking my surgeon about the fate of the stents that he had implanted in my body, he might have remembered to remove them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "persist in asking" when you want to emphasize the continuous and perhaps challenging nature of the questioning, suggesting that the person asking is not easily deterred by lack of response or resistance.

Common error

While "persist in asking" is grammatically sound, avoid overusing it in casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "keep asking" or "continue to ask" are often more appropriate in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "persist in asking" functions as a verb phrase indicating the continuation of the action of asking, despite potential obstacles or resistance. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which identifies the phrase as grammatically correct and commonly used. The examples highlight its use in contexts where repeated questioning occurs.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "persist in asking" is a grammatically correct and relatively common way to describe the act of continually asking questions, especially in the face of resistance or lack of response. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for use in various contexts, though it often appears in news and media, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal register. While effective for emphasizing determination and perseverance in seeking information, it's important to consider the audience and context, as less formal alternatives like "keep asking" or "continue to ask" may be more appropriate in casual settings. Always aim for clarity and relevance when choosing your wording.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep asking

Simple alteration to convey continued asking with a more colloquial tone.

continue to ask

Focuses on the ongoing nature of the asking.

repeatedly ask

Emphasizes the repetitive nature of the questioning.

insistently inquire

Highlights the assertive and persistent nature of the questioning with a more formal tone.

unrelentingly question

Conveys a sense of determination and persistence in the questioning.

doggedly pursue the question

Suggests a determined and persistent approach to finding an answer.

press for an answer

Implies urging and pushing to get an answer.

badger with questions

Suggests a more aggressive and annoying approach to questioning.

incessantly probe

Emphasizes the continuous and intrusive nature of the questioning.

nag with inquiries

Implies a bothersome and repetitive nature of asking questions.

FAQs

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

You can use "persist in asking" to describe someone who continues to inquire despite resistance. For example, "The journalist "persisted in asking" the politician about the scandal, even when he tried to avoid the question".

What's a less formal way to say "persist in asking"?

Less formal alternatives include "keep asking", "continue to ask", or "repeatedly ask". These options are more suitable for casual conversations.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "persist in asking"?

While grammatically correct, "persist in asking" can sound somewhat formal or even aggressive in certain contexts. Consider the tone and audience when choosing this phrase; a simpler alternative might be more suitable.

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

"Persist in asking" emphasizes the continuous nature of the questioning despite resistance, while "insist on asking" highlights the firmness and determination to ask the question, often implying a belief that the question is important or necessary.