to persist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to persist" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone is continuing to do something despite difficulty, opposition, or discouragement. For example, "Despite the challenges, she refused to give up and continued to persist in her goal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Expect deflation to persist.

The Economist

"That's likely to persist.

The New York Times

Yet problems seem to persist.

The New York Times

I decided to persist.

The New Yorker

The Administration intends to persist.

The New Yorker

This pattern was to persist.

Encyclopedia Britannica

You just had to persist!

The New York Times - Travel

The tensions seem likely to persist.

The New York Times

Yet strife is likely to persist.

The Economist

And the problems are likely to persist.

The New York Times

But the volatility is bound to persist.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to persist" when you want to emphasize the continuation of something, especially in the face of obstacles or resistance. For example, "The rumors continued to persist despite the company's denials."

Common error

Avoid using "to persist" when you mean to emphasize a demand or insistence. "Insist" is more appropriate for expressing a firm declaration or requirement. For example, use "He insisted on seeing the manager" instead of "He persisted on seeing the manager."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to persist" functions primarily as an infinitive verb phrase, often used to indicate the continuation of an action, state, or condition, especially when facing obstacles. It indicates a determined effort to maintain or prolong something, aligning with Ludwig AI's analysis of correct and usable English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the infinitive phrase "to persist" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for conveying continued action, often in the face of adversity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is commonly found in news and media, scientific writing, and encyclopedias, demonstrating its broad applicability. While alternatives like "to continue" and "to endure" exist, "to persist" specifically highlights the tenacious nature of the continuation. Remember not to confuse "persist" with "insist", and leverage "to persist" to effectively communicate resilience and perseverance in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to persevere

Uses a single verb that captures the essence of continuing despite difficulty.

to remain steadfast

Highlights the unwavering nature of the continuation.

to endure

Highlights the ability to withstand and continue through hardship.

to continue unabated

Replaces "persist" with "continue unabated", emphasizing the lack of reduction or weakening.

to hold firm

Suggests a strong and unyielding continuation.

to sustain

Emphasizes the act of supporting or maintaining something over time.

to stand firm

Suggests maintaining a determined position or stance.

to carry on regardless

Emphasizes continuing despite potential obstacles or concerns.

to not give up

Focuses on the absence of surrender or cessation.

to keep going

An informal way to express continuing effort.

FAQs

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

You can use "to persist" to describe something that continues despite difficulties or opposition. For example, "The problem seemed "to persist" despite our best efforts to fix it."

What are some alternatives to "to persist"?

Some alternatives to "to persist" include "to continue", "to endure", "to persevere", and "to remain". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "to persist" and "to insist"?

"To persist" means to continue despite difficulty, while "to insist" means to demand something forcefully. For example, "The bad weather "to persist"" (continued), but "He insisted on leaving early" (demanded).

Is it better to say "to persist" or "to continue"?

Both "to persist" and "to continue" indicate that something is ongoing, but "to persist" often implies that the continuation happens despite challenges or resistance. "To continue" is a more general term for something that simply carries on.