persist in playing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "persist in playing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone who continues to engage in playing despite challenges or obstacles. Example: "Despite the rain, the children chose to persist in playing outside until it was too dark to see."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

At some point, Hill is going to have to step outside of this comfortable space that he finds himself in rather than persist in playing the sleazy court jester in biopics.

The Guardian - Film

According to Ntiedo Etuk, the chief executive of Tabula Digita, which designs computer games that are now being used in roughly 1,200 schools around the country, children who persist in playing a game are demonstrating a valuable educational ideal.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The work carried out as part of the Dinah Rose inquiry has also lifted the lid on shocking levels of bullying and harassment happening under the noses of senior managers – yet still some BBC executives persist in playing down the extent of the problem".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Even those I persisted in playing soccer with used that nickname, that insult.

The New York Times

An avid tennis player at Princeton and afterward, he gave up the game as his disease progressed but persisted in playing golf almost to the end of his life.

Princeton University

Nevertheless, at a time when an uncommonly high number of judicial vacancies is threatening the sound functioning of the nation's courts, Senate Republicans are persisting in playing an obstructionist game.

The New York Times

And through it all, officials persisted in playing down and dismissing the concerns of Flint residents — one referred to concerned residents groups as "anti-everything" — and authoritatively vouching for the water's purity, even as they themselves were debating whether it was pure.

The New York Times

Yet she's persisted in playing out the hand she was dealt.

Forbes

There is currently an uncommonly high number of judicial vacancies which threatens the functioning of the nation's courts while Senate Republicans are persisting in playing an obstructionist game -- even though they threatened to ban filibusters if they did not get an up-or-down vote on every one of President George W. Bush's nominees, including some highly problematic ones.

Huffington Post

As Secretary of State Hillary Clinton travels to Asia next week, amid reports that a South Korean investigation has found the North responsible for sinking the South's warship Cheonan, the administration persists in playing a waiting game -- Mrs. Clinton calls it "strategic patience" -- based on the assumption that time is on our side.

The New York Times

This approach allowed us to further explore the question of whether transmissive stages of the parasite being allowed to persist in the environment plays a role in the evolutionary dynamics that we would expect to see in this system.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "persist in playing" to emphasize the determination and resilience required to continue an activity despite difficulties. It adds a layer of meaning beyond simple continuation.

Common error

Avoid using "persist in playing" when a simpler alternative like "continue playing" or "keep playing" suffices. Reserve it for situations where the act of persisting is significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "persist in playing" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a continued action despite potential difficulties or resistance. It describes the act of maintaining involvement in a game or activity with a sense of determination. Ludwig confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "persist in playing" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the act of continuing to play despite challenges or obstacles. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, it's relatively rare and best suited for contexts where the emphasis on perseverance is significant. Alternatives like "continue playing" or "keep playing" may be more appropriate in simpler situations. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media, Academic and Science contexts, reflecting its neutral to formal tone. When you want to highlight determination, "persist in playing" is a valuable choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue playing

Focuses on the continuous action of playing without necessarily implying overcoming obstacles.

keep playing

Similar to "continue playing" but with a slightly more informal tone.

persevere in playing

Emphasizes the effort and determination involved in continuing to play.

insist on playing

Highlights a firm decision or insistence on playing, possibly against advice.

hold on to playing

Suggests clinging to the activity of playing, perhaps in the face of pressure to stop.

maintain playing

Implies preserving a state of playing, such as maintaining a team's performance.

stick to playing

Conveys the idea of remaining committed to playing, even when faced with difficulties.

remain in play

Used when something or someone keeps being in play or available for play.

keep at playing

Implies steady effort and continued engagement in playing.

sustain playing

Focuses on the act of supporting and maintaining playing activities over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "persist in playing" to describe someone who continues to play despite challenges or obstacles. For example: "Despite the rain, the children chose to "persist in playing" outside."

What are some alternatives to "persist in playing"?

Alternatives include "continue playing", "keep playing", or "persevere in playing". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "persist in playing" instead of "continue playing"?

"Persist in playing" is best used when you want to emphasize the effort or determination involved in continuing to play, particularly in the face of difficulties. "Continue playing" is a more neutral option.

Is "persist in playing" formal or informal?

"Persist in playing" leans towards the formal side but can be used in neutral contexts where emphasis on perseverance is desired. "Keep playing" is generally more informal.