she persisted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she persisted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who continues to strive or maintain their efforts despite challenges or obstacles. Example: "Even when faced with numerous setbacks, she persisted and eventually achieved her goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She persisted.

The New York Times

"Ship?" she persisted.

The New Yorker

But nevertheless, she persisted.

The Washington Post

Still she persisted.

The New York Times - Style

She persisted, however.

The New York Times

She persisted with her provocations.

The New Yorker

Confused but undeterred, she persisted.

The New Yorker

She persisted: Was he in college?

The New Yorker

Nevertheless, she persisted on her chosen path.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She persisted: What about your promise?

The New York Times

"I mean a British doctor," she persisted.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and context. While "she persisted" is empowering, ensure it fits the overall narrative and doesn't come across as dismissive of the challenges faced.

Common error

While "she persisted" is powerful, avoid using it excessively. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Use "she persevered" or "she continued".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she persisted" primarily functions as a concise declarative statement highlighting a woman's unwavering continuation of an action or belief, especially in the face of resistance. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

7%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "she persisted" is a grammatically sound and widely recognized expression used to emphasize a woman's perseverance in the face of adversity. Its origins as a political slogan have imbued it with connotations of empowerment and resilience. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While generally neutral in register, its usage leans towards informal contexts, particularly within news and media. While there are various alternatives such as "she persevered" or "she continued", "she persisted" carries a unique weight due to its historical and cultural significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she persevered

Emphasizes the effort and determination involved in overcoming obstacles.

she pressed on

Suggests an unyielding advancement despite difficulty.

she insisted

Focuses more on the act of firmly maintaining a statement or demand.

she didn't give up

A more informal way of expressing continued effort.

she forged ahead

Highlights proactive and determined progress.

she continued

A more general term for ongoing action, lacking the implication of resistance.

she kept going

Similar to 'she continued' but may imply a more difficult journey.

she remained steadfast

Highlights unwavering commitment and loyalty.

she held firm

Implies a strong resistance to change or influence.

she stood her ground

Focuses on defending a position or belief against opposition.

FAQs

What does the phrase "she persisted" mean?

The phrase "she persisted" signifies that a woman continued to pursue a goal or advocate for a cause despite facing opposition, discouragement, or setbacks. It emphasizes her determination and resilience.

Where did the phrase "she persisted" originate?

The phrase gained prominence after Senator Mitch McConnell used it to describe Senator Elizabeth Warren's actions during a Senate debate in 2017. It quickly became a feminist rallying cry.

What are some alternatives to saying "she persisted"?

You can use alternatives like "she persevered", "she remained steadfast", or "she continued" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "she persisted" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the context. In highly formal or academic writing, more neutral alternatives like "she persevered" or "she persisted" might be more suitable. However, in journalistic or narrative contexts, "she persisted" can add a powerful emotional dimension.