persistent drone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "persistent drone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a continuous or unrelenting sound or presence, often in a negative or annoying context. Example: "The persistent drone of the construction work outside made it difficult to concentrate on my reading."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Otherwise, the parks are silent but for a persistent droning from above: a police helicopter is patrolling overhead.

The New Yorker

Their investigations are not enlivened by the narrators' somnolent commentary and the persistent droning chants on the soundtrack.

The New York Times

If no restrictions are put in place and persistent drones become more common, then the legal system allows the fait accompli to stand.

The Economist

As a persistent droning fills the air, Stephen's eyes, and the eyes of his men, remain fixed on the sky, hoping to spot the government's high-altitude bombers.

The New York Times

To oversimplify her argument, democracy needs privacy to breathe.It is worth noting that not all persistent drones are a threat to privacy NASA's Global Hawk Earth science missions, for instance, are exactly what they claim to be: new tools for studying hurricanes and other natural phenomena.

The Economist

The plaster and wood of the walls muffle the lyrics, but the persistent droning remains a constant presence.

Huffington Post

But intelligence officials have said that computer files retrieved from Bin Laden's compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, showed that the organization was in dire need of money and struggling under persistent American drone strikes on its leadership.

The New York Times

Refrigerators nearby gave off a persistent background drone.

Johns Hopkins University

In Iraq, the significant drop in American casualties over the past year and a half is partly attributable to the "persistent stare" of drone operators hunting for insurgents' roadside bombs and remotely fired rockets, says Christopher Oliver, a colonel in the American army who was stationed in Baghdad until recently.

The Economist

Meanwhile, letters from Osama bin Laden reveal the considerable disruption caused by the persistent presence of drones to al-Qaida's senior leadership in Pakistan.

The Guardian

Some, quite reasonably, are disappointed in his policy failures (on Guantánamo, climate change, and gun control); others question the morality of the persistent use of predator drones.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, specify the source of the drone if it's not immediately obvious. For example, "the persistent drone of the factory machinery" provides more context than simply "the persistent drone".

Common error

Avoid using "persistent drone" when a more forceful or impactful term is needed. While "persistent" implies duration, it doesn't necessarily convey intensity. If the sound is overwhelmingly loud or disruptive, consider stronger descriptors like "deafening roar" or "thunderous rumble".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "persistent drone" functions primarily as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. The adjective "persistent" modifies the noun "drone", emphasizing its continuous and enduring quality. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through example sentences.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "persistent drone" is grammatically correct but currently lacks real-world examples in Ludwig's database. According to Ludwig AI, it's a phrase used to describe a continuous, often irritating, low-frequency sound. While the phrase itself is fairly neutral in register, its use often implies a negative connotation due to the annoying nature of the sound being described. Although examples are missing now, potential contexts would likely be in news or technical writing when describing sounds from machinery, vehicles, or electronic devices. To add detail to your writing, consider using "persistent drone" with descriptive detail to clarify the sound's origin. As we add examples to Ludwig, the identified usage patterns and contextual probabilities will be updated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continuous drone

Focuses on the uninterrupted nature of the sound.

unrelenting drone

Emphasizes the forceful and non-stopping quality of the sound.

constant drone

Highlights the consistent presence of the sound.

incessant drone

Stresses the ceaseless and repetitive nature of the sound.

steady drone

Indicates a stable and unwavering sound.

ceaseless humming

Uses 'humming' as a synonym for 'drone', focusing on a low, continuous sound.

enduring hum

Emphasizes the lasting quality of the low-frequency sound.

sustained buzzing

Highlights the prolonged and vibrant quality of the 'buzzing' sound.

lingering whir

Suggests a 'whirring' sound that persists or remains noticeable.

unfading vibration

Focuses on the continuous and non-diminishing vibratory aspect of the sound.

FAQs

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

You can use "persistent drone" to describe a continuous, often irritating sound. For example, "The persistent drone of the air conditioner made it difficult to concentrate."

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

Alternatives to "persistent drone" include "continuous hum", "unrelenting buzz", or "constant humming" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say 'a drone is persistent' instead of "persistent drone"?

Yes, you can say 'a drone is persistent', but it changes the meaning slightly. "Persistent drone" refers to a sound that is continuous. 'A drone is persistent' describes a drone that doesn't give up easily.

What does the phrase "persistent drone" typically describe?

The phrase "persistent drone" commonly describes a continuous and often bothersome low-frequency sound, often mechanical or electronic in nature, that is ongoing and difficult to ignore.