persistent argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "persistent argument" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a debate or discussion that continues over time without resolution. Example: "The persistent argument about climate change policies has led to increased tension among lawmakers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

There is a persistent argument about why so few consumers respond in these cases.

The New York Times

Not that the 5-foot-9-inch Ward was about to debate Johnson's persistent argument that he would be irreplaceable.

The New York Times - Sports

This reality is missing from the persistent argument that if students drink less and have comfortable seating aside from their beds then their fumbling behaviors will change.

The New Yorker

His persistent argument is that government programs do more harm than good and create a dependent class rather than alleviating hardship, because socio-economic differences are based on innate ability, not external circumstance.

The New Yorker

The most persistent argument in favor of a progressive tax is that it suppresses income inequality.

Los Angeles Times

One persistent argument is that they give private investors a chance to profit from what the government should be doing already.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

It's posturing .There are persistent arguments over whether a loss of momentum in the air campaign contributed to the rebels' setbacks.

The Economist

Careful, persistent arguments about those passages have the power to change every Christian church worldwide, no matter how conservative its theology.

Huffington Post

"To earwig" is a slang verb meaning either "to attempt to influence by persistent confidential argument or talk" or "to eavesdrop".

Wikipedia

One couple, for example, reported a persistent, unresolved argument over the husband's wish to eat pork buns.

Diabetes Care

The criticism of business schools is ever persistent and the argument for their irrelevancy seems to be strengthening.

The International Journal of Management Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "persistent argument", ensure the context clearly indicates that the argument has continued for a significant duration without resolution. This phrase works best when you want to emphasize the ongoing nature of the disagreement.

Common error

Avoid using "persistent argument" to describe a single, isolated argument, even if it was heated. The term implies a repeated or ongoing disagreement over time, not a one-time event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "persistent argument" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "persistent" modifies the noun "argument". As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used correctly in English. The grammatical function is to describe a type of argument that is ongoing or recurring.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "persistent argument" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to describe an ongoing disagreement or debate. As Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's found primarily in news and media, and scientific contexts, and it serves to emphasize the recurring nature of the disagreement rather than a single instance. When using the phrase, consider alternative options such as "ongoing dispute" or "continuous debate", and avoid using it to describe isolated incidents. Understanding these nuances helps ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ongoing dispute

Focuses more on the active disagreement rather than the sustained nature of the argument.

continuous debate

Emphasizes the unbroken nature of the discussion, slightly less on the conflict itself.

unresolved contention

Highlights the lack of resolution, differing slightly from the persistence aspect.

enduring disagreement

Stresses the long-lasting quality of the disagreement.

sustained controversy

Shifts the focus to a public and prolonged dispute.

protracted quarrel

Indicates a more intense and lengthy disagreement.

relentless debate

Highlights the intensity and unyielding nature of the debate.

incessant dispute

Emphasizes the constant and repetitive nature of the disagreement.

chronic controversy

Suggests a long-term and recurring state of public disagreement.

long-standing disagreement

Focuses on the duration and history of the disagreement.

FAQs

How can I use "persistent argument" in a sentence?

You can use "persistent argument" to describe an ongoing disagreement. For example: "The "persistent argument" about funding continues to divide the committee".

What's a good alternative to "persistent argument"?

Alternatives include "ongoing dispute", "continuous debate", or "unresolved contention", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "persistent and ongoing argument"?

Yes, saying "persistent and ongoing argument" can be redundant, as both "persistent" and "ongoing" convey the idea of something continuing over time. Choose the word that best fits the context.

What is the difference between a "persistent argument" and a "heated discussion"?

A "heated discussion" refers to a single, intense exchange of opinions, while a "persistent argument" implies a disagreement that recurs or continues over a longer period. The former focuses on intensity, the latter on duration.