persisted in playing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "persisted in playing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who continues to engage in playing despite challenges or distractions. Example: "Despite the rain, the children persisted in playing outside until it became too dark."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 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

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 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

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

"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

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

He and his band persisted, however, playing in hotels and restaurants.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "persisted in playing" to emphasize a determined or unwavering continuation of playing, especially when facing challenges or discouragement. This phrase adds a layer of resilience to the action.

Common error

Avoid using "persisted in playing" in situations where a simpler phrase like "continued playing" or "kept playing" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "persisted in playing" functions as a verb phrase indicating the continuation of an action (playing) despite potential obstacles. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. This construction emphasizes the subject's determination.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

25%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "persisted in playing" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that conveys a sense of determination in continuing to play despite challenges. As Ludwig AI highlights, this construction emphasizes the resolve behind the action. Although relatively rare, it appears most frequently in News & Media and Academic contexts. When writing, use it to emphasize resilience, but be mindful of simpler alternatives like "continued playing" for less dramatic situations. Overall, it is a valuable addition to a writer's toolkit when conveying perseverance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kept playing

This alternative offers a more concise and informal way to express the continuous action of playing.

continued playing

This phrase is a direct synonym, simply replacing "persisted" with "continued" to convey the same meaning.

insisted on playing

This emphasizes the determination or insistence to play, adding a layer of willfulness.

persevered in playing

This alternative highlights the effort and resilience involved in continuing to play despite difficulties.

remained playing

Focuses on the state of continuing to play, rather than the effort to continue.

held on to playing

This suggests clinging to the activity of playing, often against external pressures.

carried on playing

Implies continuing the activity without significant interruption, similar to "kept playing" but slightly more formal.

doggedly played

This emphasizes the persistence and determination with which the person played, adding a sense of stubbornness.

stubbornly played

Similar to doggedly played, highlights the resolute, almost defiant, continuation of playing.

tenaciously played

This phrase conveys a strong sense of holding on to the activity of playing, emphasizing the strength and determination involved.

FAQs

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

Use "persisted in playing" to describe someone who continued to play despite challenges or distractions. For example, "Despite the rain, the children persisted in playing outside".

What are some alternatives to "persisted in playing"?

You can use alternatives like "continued playing", "kept playing", or "insisted on playing" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "persisted to play" or "persisted in playing"?

"Persisted in playing" is the more idiomatic and grammatically sound choice. "Persisted to play" is less common and might sound awkward to native English speakers.

What is the difference between "continued playing" and "persisted in playing"?

"Continued playing" simply means to keep playing, while "persisted in playing" implies continuing despite some obstacle or difficulty, suggesting a stronger will to keep playing.