persist in doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "persist in doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a state of uncertainty or hesitation that continues over time. Example: "Despite the evidence presented, she continued to persist in doubt about the project's feasibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

(In recent weeks he's developed a habit of defiantly grunting "Right?" at the end of sentences, as if to suggest that, should his interlocutor persist in doubting him, Mr Miliband will have no hesitation in taking the matter outside)".

The Guardian

In the British theatre world, he is regarded as an actor whose affinity for Shakespeare's works is unparalleled; it is disconcerting to some that he could persist in doubting that William Shakespeare wrote the plays.

The New Yorker

We are a society that turned to tennis once Guillermo Vilas won a Grand Slam in France; grew obsessed with basketball when Manu Ginobili made his mark in the American N.B.A.; started raving about monarchy when an Argentine-born princess married the crown prince of the Netherlands; and has persisted in doubting Jorge Luis Borges's value because he never won the international honor of a Nobel Prize.

The New York Times

Mr. Bush will no doubt persist in that mode as long as his Republican allies allow him to.

The New York Times

FT editors will no doubt persist in the fiction that they are free agents in the British tradition – but in the long run any hopes they might harbor that they can continue to cover East Asia, for instance, on an impartial basis will be dashed.

Forbes

Those doubts persist in part because auditors have been fooled by other Chinese companies that turned out to be frauds — a fact that short-sellers emphasize.

The New York Times

No doubt managers will persist in trying to go global.

The Economist

It's founded in gratitude – something much more difficult to persist in, when the lives of the powerful and powerless alike are so full of doubt and suffering.

The Guardian - Opinion

As entrepreneurs, sometimes our inner dialogue of self-doubt is not what we get over, but instead how we persist in spite of it.

Forbes

If these protesters persist in their delusion that doing more of the same will produce different results, there is little doubt that President Barack Obama will be re-elected.

The New York Times

Droughts persist in South America and Africa.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "persist in doubt", consider if a stronger term like "refuse to believe" is more appropriate, or if a milder phrase like "remain skeptical" better suits the context.

Common error

Avoid using "persist in doubt" when simply expressing a lack of knowledge. This phrase implies an active, continued skepticism, not just a neutral state of uncertainty. If you lack information, state that directly rather than implying resistance to accepting an idea.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "persist in doubt" functions as a verb phrase that describes a continuous action. It indicates a sustained state of uncertainty or disbelief despite potential evidence or pressure to believe otherwise. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "persist in doubt" describes a sustained state of uncertainty or disbelief. Although grammatically sound, it's relatively rare in modern English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Alternatives like "remain skeptical" or "continue to question" are generally more common. When using it, ensure you intend to convey an active, continued skepticism, not just a simple lack of information. Use this phrase when highlighting a determined skepticism or resistance to accepting a particular claim. This is particularly useful when you want to state that a condition that someone does not accept continues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain skeptical

Focuses on the continued state of disbelief or questioning.

continue to question

Emphasizes the ongoing process of doubting and seeking answers.

harbor lingering doubts

Highlights the presence of unresolved uncertainty.

maintain uncertainty

Stresses the sustained lack of conviction or clarity.

cling to skepticism

Suggests a deliberate holding on to doubt or disbelief.

refuse to believe

Implies a stronger, more active rejection of belief.

hold reservations

Indicates a hesitant acceptance with underlying doubts.

nurture disbelief

Portrays an active cultivation of doubt.

sustain misgivings

Highlights the continuation of feelings of unease or apprehension.

keep questioning

Emphasizes the act of continuous inquiry and doubt.

FAQs

What does "persist in doubt" mean?

The phrase "persist in doubt" signifies to continue maintaining a state of uncertainty or disbelief, even when presented with evidence or assurances.

What can I say instead of "persist in doubt"?

You can use alternatives like "remain skeptical", "continue to question", or "harbor lingering doubts" depending on the context.

How do I use "persist in doubt" in a sentence?

Example: "Despite the reassurances from the company, investors continued to persist in doubt about the project's long-term viability."

Is it more common to say "persist in doubt" or another phrase?

While "persist in doubt" is grammatically correct, phrases like "remain skeptical" or "continue to question" are generally more frequently used in contemporary English.