persistent source of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "persistent source of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that consistently provides or causes a particular effect or outcome over time. Example: "The persistent source of noise from the construction site made it difficult for residents to concentrate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Another persistent source of Arab human insecurity is high unemployment.

The New York Times

Perhaps the greatest, most persistent source of torment in Jackson's life was his family.

The New Yorker

This is a persistent source of strain and conflict in modern societies.

Britannica

The ideology of American lawyers has been a persistent source of discussion and debate.

Harvard University

However, corruption allegations have been a persistent source of trouble for the DPA.

The Economist

This is of notable importance because residual NAPL can act as a non negligible persistent source of contamination.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

However odd, the exchange perfectly captured one of the persistent sources of strain between the media and Republicans throughout the presidential campaign.

The New York Times

While the urge to control and clean-up mega-sites (control and correct) is understandable, rather than setting a goal of cleaning up such sites, we suggest a more realistic response strategy is to address these massive and persistent sources of contamination by acknowledging their position as new features of the socio-ecological landscapes within which they are located.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

This needs to change in order to ensure persistent sources of finance and growth.

Forbes

It listed the persistent sources of tension as US naval surveillance along China's coasts, US arms sales to Taiwan and what it called America's "growing penchant for projecting its military power in the Asia Pacific".

BBC

The mistaken killing of civilians by NATO troops is one of the most persistent sources of friction between Karzai and his Western backers, and was back in the spotlight this month after Washington offered a rare apology for the death of nine Afghan boys gunned down by helicopters while collecting firewood.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "persistent source of", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being persistently sourced, avoiding ambiguity. For example, specify whether it's a persistent source of "contamination", "tension", or "innovation".

Common error

Avoid using "persistent source of" in contexts where a one-time or infrequent occurrence is more appropriate. Opt for alternatives like "occasional cause of" or "isolated instance of" for events that are not recurring.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "persistent source of" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies something that repeatedly provides or causes a specific condition or outcome. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

40%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "persistent source of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that identifies something as a recurring origin or cause of a particular phenomenon. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely used across diverse contexts. It often appears in news, scientific, and academic writings, with a neutral to formal tone. While alternatives like "continual source of" or "steady source of" exist, the specific nuance of "persistent"—emphasizing the long-lasting and sometimes problematic nature—makes it a valuable and distinct choice. When using this phrase, it's crucial to clearly indicate what is being persistently sourced to avoid ambiguity. The wide usage of the phrase in authoritative sources suggests its reliability and validity in various communicative settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continual source of

Replaces "persistent" with "continual", emphasizing the ongoing nature of the source.

continued source of

Focuses on the ongoing and sustained nature of the source.

ongoing source of

Similar to "continual", but may imply a more active or dynamic process.

relentless source of

Substitutes "persistent" with "relentless", highlighting the unyielding and often negative aspect of the source.

steady source of

Highlights the consistent and reliable nature of the source.

uninterrupted source of

Emphasizes the continuous and unbroken nature of the source.

perpetual source of

Emphasizes the unending or indefinitely long-lasting nature of the source.

constant origin of

Replaces "source" with "origin", focusing on the point from which something begins or arises continuously.

incessant source of

Similar to "relentless", but focuses more on the repetitive and often irritating nature of the source.

ceaseless source of

Highlights the unending and continuous nature of the source.

FAQs

How can I use "persistent source of" in a sentence?

You can use "persistent source of" to describe something that consistently provides or causes a particular effect over time. For example: "The factory was a "persistent source of" pollution in the river."

What can I say instead of "persistent source of"?

You can use alternatives like "continual source of", "constant origin of", or "steady source of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "persistent source of" or "consistent source of"?

Both "persistent source of" and "consistent source of" are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Persistent" emphasizes the long-lasting and sometimes problematic nature of the source, while "consistent" focuses on the reliable and unchanging nature.

What's the difference between "persistent source of" and "sporadic source of"?

"Persistent source of" implies a continuous and ongoing origin, while "sporadic source of" suggests an irregular and intermittent origin. The key difference lies in the frequency and regularity of the source.