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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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persistence pays off

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

'persistence pays off' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it any time you want to emphasize that if you keep working hard and don't give up, you will eventually get the result you want. For example: "I had to take the test four times before I passed, but I kept at it and eventually my persistence paid off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Still, persistence pays off.

News & Media

The New York Times

His persistence pays off".

But his persistence pays off.

News & Media

The New York Times

"Persistence pays off," Mr. Scott said.

News & Media

The New York Times

And here, Mr. Ventura said, is where persistence pays off.

News & Media

The New York Times

The author's persistence pays off in her account of the Busch family's searing internecine strife.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

His persistence paid off.

But persistence paid off.

News & Media

The Economist

Persistence paid off.

News & Media

The Economist

The McMahons' persistence paid off.

The couple's persistence paid off.

News & Media

The Guardian
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "persistence pays off", ensure that the context clearly demonstrates the sustained effort and the eventual positive outcome. This strengthens the phrase's impact and relevance.

Common error

Avoid using "persistence pays off" when the success is primarily due to luck or chance rather than consistent effort. This dilutes the meaning and can misrepresent the true cause of the outcome.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "persistence pays off" functions as an affirmative statement that highlights the positive consequences of continuous effort. Ludwig AI affirms this is a correct and usable phrase. Examples show its usage in various contexts, from personal achievements to business successes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "persistence pays off" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey the idea that continuous effort leads to positive results. According to Ludwig AI, it's a usable phrase to emphasize that sustained hard work will eventually yield the desired outcome. Analysis of real-world examples reveals that this phrase is frequently used in News & Media, but also in Wiki and Formal & Business contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. While alternatives like "tenacity yields results" or "hard work pays off" exist, "persistence pays off" remains a succinct and widely understood way to encourage perseverance. Remember to use it in contexts where sustained effort, rather than luck, is the primary driver of success.

FAQs

How can I use "persistence pays off" in a sentence?

You can use "persistence pays off" to emphasize that consistent effort leads to a positive result, such as "Despite numerous rejections, the author's persistence paid off with the publication of her novel".

What is a similar expression to "persistence pays off"?

A similar expression is "hard work pays off", which also suggests that effort leads to a reward or success.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "persistence pays off"?

It's appropriate when highlighting a situation where someone achieved a goal through continued effort despite obstacles or setbacks. It underscores the value of not giving up.

Is there a difference between "determination pays off" and "persistence pays off"?

While similar, "determination pays off" emphasizes the strength of will, while "persistence pays off" focuses on the continuous effort over time. They are often interchangeable, but the nuance can depend on the context.

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Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: