to perpetuate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to perpetuate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of causing something to continue indefinitely or to preserve it for a long time. Example: "The organization aims to perpetuate the traditions of the community through various cultural programs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They only want to perpetuate themselves".

The New York Times

One didn't presume to perpetuate the role.

The New Yorker

"It continues to perpetuate the controversy".

The New York Times

"I just wanted to perpetuate her legacy".

The New York Times - Books

We like to perpetuate myths about teamwork.

The New York Times - Sports

Mine is not to perpetuate division".

The Guardian

She has no 'purpose' other than to perpetuate her species.

The New Yorker

I hate to perpetuate the tired stereotypes of Englishness.

The New Yorker

Canaletto wishes to perpetuate frozen moments of monumental grandeur.

Independent

It is a notion that coaches themselves like to perpetuate.

The New York Times - Sports

That choice of words only serves to perpetuate homophobic attitudes.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to perpetuate" when you want to emphasize the act of making something continue, especially when it might otherwise fade away or be forgotten. This phrase carries a sense of active effort in maintaining something.

Common error

Avoid using "to perpetuate" when a simpler word like "continue" or "maintain" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or pretentious. Ensure the context warrants the stronger, more active sense of the word.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to perpetuate" primarily functions as an infinitive verb phrase, indicating a purpose or intention. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is used to describe the act of causing something to continue or last, especially when referring to ideas, practices, or systems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to perpetuate" functions as an infinitive verb phrase used to express the act of causing something to continue or prolong its existence. As Ludwig AI highlights, it frequently appears in news and media, as well as scientific and formal business contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While versatile, it's important to consider whether a simpler term might be more appropriate to avoid sounding overly formal. The phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary for expressing the desire to actively continue or maintain something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to sustain

Focuses more on maintaining something at a certain level or standard.

to maintain

Emphasizes keeping something in its current state.

to preserve

Highlights protecting something from harm or change.

to uphold

Implies supporting or defending something, often a principle or law.

to continue

A more general term for keeping something going.

to prolong

Suggests extending the duration of something, often artificially.

to propagate

Often used in the context of spreading or promoting something, like an idea.

to foster

Implies actively encouraging the growth or development of something.

to immortalize

Focuses on making something last forever, often through art or memory.

to entrench

Suggests firmly establishing something, making it difficult to change.

FAQs

How can I use "to perpetuate" in a sentence?

You can use "to perpetuate" to describe the act of causing something to continue, such as "The government's policies only serve "to perpetuate poverty"" or "We must not "to perpetuate stereotypes"".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "to perpetuate"?

Some alternatives to "to perpetuate" include "to sustain", "to maintain", "to preserve", or "to continue", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "to perpetuate" or "to continue"?

The choice between "to perpetuate" and "to continue" depends on the context. "To continue" simply means to keep something going, while "to perpetuate" implies actively causing something to continue, often something negative or undesirable. For example, you might "continue a tradition", but "perpetuate a myth".

What's the difference between "to perpetuate" and "to maintain"?

"To maintain" means to keep something in its current state, whereas "to perpetuate" means "to prolong the existence of" something, often implying an active effort to prevent it from fading away or ending. For instance, you maintain a garden, but perpetuate a legacy.