persist in questioning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "persist in questioning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of continuing to ask questions or seek clarification on a topic or issue. Example: "Despite the challenges, she chose to persist in questioning the assumptions behind the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

By the second grade, his teachers were summoning his parents to complain that the boy would not keep still, and that he persisted in questioning their authority.

The New York Times

Still, Moore has persisted in questioning the results, and called for certification to be delayed.

Vice

A reporter for the Daily Breeze was among those forced to leave the meeting after he persisted in questioning Dorn about recent board actions.

Los Angeles Times

"Despite Mr. Tsarnaev's entreaties to be left alone, allowed to rest, and provided with a lawyer, the agents persisted in questioning him throughout the night and into the [next] morning," the filing claims.

Vice

Their acknowledgment of the science and the need to take action stood in sharp relief compared to many Republican leaders who persisted in questioning the reality of the phenomenon and the need to react to it.

Huffington Post

Again the wording is perfectly clear: "They must not photograph individuals in private places without their consent; must not persist in telephoning, questioning, pursuing or photographing individuals after having been asked to desist; must not remain on their property after having been asked to leave and must not follow them".

The Guardian

But with State of Law not backing down from its recount demand, Friday's planned announcement of the full results could set off a political showdown if Mr. Maliki's coalition persists in questioning the result.

The New York Times

On Thursday, Father Fugee took the stand in his own defense and called the statement a lie, saying he had made the admissions because the police persisted in their questioning and he wanted to go home.

The New York Times

"President Bush, will you join me in calling for those reforms?" Mr. McAuliffe's lone rival, former Mayor Maynard Jackson of Atlanta, had persisted in his campaign, questioning whether Mr. McAuliffe was a glorified fund-raiser as well as his commitment to southern Democrats.

The New York Times

For the men's team, whose client was Luke Bryan, Trump wondered why they didn't get Bryan to wear a bandana, like Bret Michaels, persisting in his repeated questioning until guest judge Trace Adkins intoned, "Enough with the bandana thing". .

Los Angeles Times

And yet you persist in writing novels.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "persist in questioning" to emphasize the determined and continuous nature of seeking answers, especially when facing resistance or doubt. This phrase is suitable when you want to highlight the tenacity of the inquiry.

Common error

While "persist in questioning" is grammatically sound, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or overly formal. Vary your language by using synonyms like "continue to inquire" or "remain inquisitive" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "persist in questioning" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a continuous and determined effort to seek answers or challenge assumptions. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "persist in questioning" is a grammatically correct and usable verbal phrase that emphasizes the continuous and determined act of seeking answers or challenging assumptions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase follows standard grammar rules. While not exceedingly common, it finds use in News & Media and academic contexts to convey a sense of tenacious inquiry. When writing, it's important to consider synonyms like "continue to question" or "remain inquisitive" to prevent overuse. The expert rating of 4.5 reflects its correct grammar, authoritative sourcing, and consistent usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue to question

This alternative offers a more direct and less emphatic way of expressing the act of continuous inquiry.

persevere in questioning

This emphasizes the perseverance involved in the act of questioning, especially when facing resistance.

persist in inquiring

This maintains the sense of persistence but substitutes "questioning" with the more formal "inquiring".

insistently inquire

This emphasizes the insistent nature of the inquiry, highlighting the determination to get answers.

keep questioning

This option is more informal and suggests a repetitive nature of asking questions.

repeatedly question

This highlights the repetitive nature of the questioning process.

continue to probe

This suggests a more investigative or in-depth form of questioning.

keep asking questions

This is a more explicit and less nuanced way of expressing continuous inquiry.

remain inquisitive

This shifts the focus to maintaining a state of curiosity rather than the act of questioning itself.

doggedly pursue answers

This implies a relentless pursuit of answers, adding a sense of determination.

FAQs

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

You can use "persist in questioning" to describe someone who continues to ask questions despite facing challenges or resistance. For example: "Despite the setbacks, she chose to "persist in questioning" the assumptions behind the project."

What are some alternatives to "persist in questioning"?

You can use alternatives like "continue to question", "keep questioning", or "insistently inquire" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "persist in questioning" or "continue to question"?

"Persist in questioning" emphasizes determination and perseverance in asking questions, while "continue to question" is a more neutral and general way to describe the act of asking questions continuously. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to "persist in questioning" something?

To "persist in questioning" something means to continue to inquire about it, often despite facing obstacles, doubt, or resistance. It implies a determined effort to understand or challenge something thoroughly.