persist on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "persist on" is not correct in standard English; the correct expression is "persist in." You can use "persist in" when referring to continuing a course of action or maintaining an opinion despite difficulties or opposition.
Example: "Despite the challenges, she decided to persist in her efforts to improve the community."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Stars of David persist on weathered building facades.

The New York Times

Differing views persist on his performance at Peleliu.

The New York Times

Small pro-Morsi protests persist on Friday afternoons, but they are usually shut down by police.

The Guardian

After the game, the TV commercials will persist on nearly 20 Web sites.

The New York Times

These gains are, however, offset by the gender inequalities that persist on so many critical fronts.

The Guardian

Most formulations persist on foliage less than a week following application.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A good wine should persist on the palette for a long time.' The other is the nose.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yet divisions and frustrations persist on both sides, in minds and hearts if not in the laws of the land.

The New York Times

But the viruses may also persist on inanimate objects, and people can become infected from touching contaminated surfaces.

The New York Times

Questions also persist on how well the area around Indian Point could be evacuated if a major leak occurred.

The New York Times

Dr. Rona said the area's light sedimentation meant fresh-looking holes "can persist on the seafloor for hundreds of years".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While you might encounter the phrase "persist on", it's better to use "persist in" for grammatically correct writing. This ensures clarity and adherence to standard English conventions.

Common error

Avoid using "persist on"; instead, use "persist in" followed by the activity or belief you are continuing, such as "persist in their efforts". This corrects a common grammatical error and improves the clarity of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "persist on" functions primarily as a verb phrase, aiming to describe the continuation or endurance of a state, action, or entity. While widely used, Ludwig indicates that it is not considered grammatically correct in standard English, where "persist in" is preferred.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

29%

Science

29%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "persist on" is frequently used across various sources, including news, science, and encyclopedias. However, Ludwig identifies it as grammatically incorrect, advising the use of "persist in" instead. Although widespread, relying on "persist on" might detract from formal writing. Alternatives like "continue with" or "persevere in" offer grammatically sound ways to express the intended meaning. Therefore, while "persist on" is common, "persist in" remains the preferred choice for clarity and adherence to standard English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persevere in

Emphasizes determination and effort in maintaining a course despite difficulties; it is more active and deliberate.

continue with

Focuses on the uninterrupted continuation of an action or activity, shifting from a state of being to an action.

carry on with

Suggests continuing an activity, often after an interruption. It’s more conversational.

hold onto

Indicates maintaining possession or connection with something, often tangible.

cling to

Implies a desperate or tenacious hold, often when facing loss or opposition.

endure in

Highlights the capacity to withstand hardship and continue existing over a long period.

keep up with

Emphasizes maintaining pace or progress, often in a dynamic environment.

maintain

Focuses on preserving the condition or status of something.

sustain

Suggests providing support or resources necessary for something to continue existing or functioning.

uphold

Implies actively defending or supporting a principle or decision.

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "persist on"?

No, the grammatically correct phrasing is "persist in". While you might encounter "persist on", it is considered non-standard. Using "persist in" aligns with standard English grammar conventions.

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

"Persist on" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "persist in", which means to continue firmly or obstinately in an opinion or course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition.

How can I rephrase "persist on" to sound more natural?

Instead of "persist on", you can use phrases like "continue with", "persevere in", or simply "keep going", depending on the context. Each carries a slightly different nuance of continuing despite challenges.

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

Always use "persist in". It is appropriate in any context where you want to convey continuing with a specific action, belief, or effort despite obstacles or resistance. The phrasing "persist on" is not recommended.