persist in doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "persist in doing" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to continue doing something despite difficulties or opposition. Example: Despite her critics, she persisted in writing her novel and eventually published it to great acclaim.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

As long as the ad sales model is producing revenue, they will persist in doing things in a traditional fashion.

The New York Times - Arts

So why do so many highly paid chief executives of acquiring companies persist in doing the opposite?

The New York Times

If we don't particularly want to procrastinate, and it causes us discomfort to do so, why do we persist in doing it?

The New Yorker

Paddy Chayefsky "That which we persist in doing becomes easier, not that the task itself has become easier, but that our ability to perform it has improved".

The New York Times

None of the purported constraints, however, actually deprive Microsoft of "the ability (1) to price substantially above the competitive level and (2) to persist in doing so for a significant period without erosion by new entry or expansion".

The New York Times

We don't know what Shearer was revisiting, but the world is full of those who persist in doing the same thing and failing to understand why the outcome is the same.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

It persisted in doing a shimmy on the platter.

The New York Times

Then again, since the attack, both Rihanna and Brown have persisted in doing some deeply weird things, as if they're engaged in a kind of bizarre competition to see who can come up with the weirdest response.

The Guardian - Music

Senator Lamar Alexander, a Republican from Tennessee, went further, saying, in December, that if Reid "persists in doing what he says he will do, which is to break the rules of the Senate to change the filibuster rules, he will go down in history as the senator who ended the Senate".

The New Yorker

"He refused — they persisted in doing that.

Vice

Nevertheless, I persisted (in doing nothing at all).

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "persist in doing" when you want to emphasize the effort and determination involved in continuing an action despite challenges or opposition. This phrase is stronger than simply "continue doing".

Common error

Avoid using "persist in doing" when the action is clearly unproductive or harmful. The phrase can sometimes imply stubbornness or a refusal to adapt, so ensure the context justifies the continued effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "persist in doing" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the continuation of an action despite obstacles or resistance. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage and its examples highlight its use in various contexts, from personal endeavors to political situations, as demonstrated by many examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "persist in doing" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to describe continuing an action despite difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Though not as common as simpler alternatives like "continue doing", it adds a layer of emphasis on determination and resilience. While it can be used in various contexts, it appears most frequently in news articles and scientific publications. When employing this phrase, consider the potential connotation of stubbornness and ensure the context warrants highlighting sustained effort. Remember, as the examples confirm, it is more appropriate to use it in writing when there are some challenges present.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persevere in doing

A more formal way to express continuing an action with effort and determination.

continue to do

Focuses on the continuation of an action, but is less specific about overcoming obstacles.

carry on doing

Suggests continuing an activity, often in the face of difficulty or disruption.

remain committed to doing

Emphasizes a dedicated approach to performing an action.

keep doing

Implies ongoing action, but lacks the sense of perseverance found in the original phrase.

endure in doing

Emphasizes the ability to withstand difficulties while continuing an action.

insist on doing

Highlights a firm decision to perform an action, sometimes against advice.

stick to doing

Implies loyalty and commitment to a particular action or behavior.

hold on to doing

Suggests clinging to a practice or action, often against pressure to change.

maintain doing

Highlights the preservation or continuation of a state or activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "persist in doing" to describe someone who continues an action despite difficulties. For example: "Despite numerous setbacks, she "persisted in doing" research until she made a breakthrough."

What's a more formal alternative to "persist in doing"?

A more formal alternative would be "persevere in doing", which emphasizes determination and effort in continuing an action.

When should I use "persist in doing" instead of "continue doing"?

Use "persist in doing" when you want to highlight the challenges or opposition faced while continuing the action. "Continue doing" is a more neutral phrase that simply indicates the continuation of an activity without necessarily implying difficulty.

Is "persist on doing" grammatically correct instead of "persist in doing"?

No, "persist on doing" is not grammatically correct. The correct preposition to use with "persist" in this context is "in". Therefore, the correct phrase is "persist in doing".