persists in

USAGE SUMMARY

"persists in" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that someone or something continues with an action, belief, or idea in spite of obstacles or difficulties. Example sentence: Despite the numerous setbacks the team encountered, they persisted in their efforts to reach the goal.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Deflation persists in Japan.

The Economist

Malnutrition persists in the countryside.

The New York Times - Arts

Still, he persists in saying so.

The New York Times - Sports

But Armenia persists in its claim.

The Economist

The book never persists in ambiguity.

The New Yorker

The ideal persists, in a wireless age.

The New Yorker

A tribal war persists in the north.

The Economist

(That dream persists in the current revival).

The New Yorker

Corruption persists in the post-Yanukovych world.

The New Yorker

It persists in the atmosphere for centuries.

The New York Times

This traditional organization persists in many areas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "persists in", ensure the subject is capable of active continuation. It's less fitting for inanimate objects that simply exist without effort.

Common error

While "persists in" is grammatically correct, avoid overuse in formal writing. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "continues to", "remains", or "endures" to maintain a professional and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "persists in" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "persists" is the main verb and "in" is a preposition. According to Ludwig, it indicates that someone or something continues with an action, belief, or idea despite obstacles. Examples in Ludwig show it connecting a subject with an ongoing action or state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Huffington Post

1%

Developmental Biology

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "persists in" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase. According to Ludwig, it indicates the continuation of an action or belief despite obstacles, and it's applicable in both positive and negative situations. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, "persists in" carries a neutral to formal tone. To enhance writing, consider using synonyms like "continues to" or "perseveres in", and be mindful of overuse in highly formal contexts. This ensures clarity and variety in your writing. Examples of Ludwig confirm the pervasiveness and versatility of this expression across diverse domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perseveres in

This alternative stresses determination and effort in the face of challenges.

persists with

This option shifts the focus slightly to acting upon or using something relentlessly.

continues to

This alternative focuses on the ongoing nature of an action or state, omitting the sense of overcoming obstacles.

carries on with

This phrase conveys a sense of continuing a task or activity, often despite difficulties.

endures in

This alternative emphasizes the lasting quality of something, suggesting resilience over time.

maintains presence in

This stresses the continued existence and visibility of something in a particular setting.

remains present in

This option highlights the continued existence of something, without necessarily implying active effort.

sustains itself in

This alternative highlights self-sufficiency and continuation without external support.

holds true in

This phrase indicates that a statement or belief remains valid or applicable in a certain context.

lingers in

This suggests a subtle or subtle persistence that is long lasting and difficult to eliminate.

FAQs

How can I use "persists in" in a sentence?

You can use "persists in" to describe someone or something that continues to do something despite difficulties or opposition. For example, "Despite the setbacks, the team "persists in" their efforts to complete the project".

What are some alternatives to "persists in"?

Some alternatives to "persists in" include "continues to", "perseveres in", or "remains", depending on the context. Each alternative carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it more formal to say "persists in" or "continues to"?

"Persists in" generally has a slightly more formal tone than "continues to", implying a greater degree of determination or resistance to change. However, both are acceptable in formal writing.

Can "persists in" be used for both positive and negative situations?

Yes, "persists in" can be used in both positive and negative contexts. For example, someone might "persist in" their charitable efforts (positive) or "persist in" making the same mistake (negative).