what persisted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what persisted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that continued to exist or endure over time, often in discussions about memories, feelings, or phenomena. Example: "Despite the changes in the environment, what persisted was the community's spirit and resilience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But instead of humor, what persisted was the unfortunate image of Mr. Romney — who is worth an estimated $250 million — sitting next to unemployed workers and joking about being out of work himself.

The New York Times

Exactly what persisted in the state of nirvana has been the subject of considerable discussion over the history of the tradition, though it has been described as bliss unchanging, secure, and unconditioned.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

What persist are ill-understood but unquestioned folk sayings.

The New Yorker

For the passionate core of revolutionaries in both capitals, which includes Islamists, secular liberals, trade unionists and many in-between, what persists is a determination to ensure lasting change, amid worries over the lingering hold of the ancien régime.But many among the working poor and middle class are warier of economic pain than they are thirsty for political gain.

The Economist

Scotus follows Aristotle in identifying matter as what persists through substantial change and substantial form as what makes a given parcel of matter the definite, unique, individual substance that it is.

SEP

At the risk of gross oversimplification of what is treated thoroughly elsewhere (see the entry on Aristotle's metaphysics, it can be said that early on he took the view that what persists over time and through change, the substrate, can be identified with matter, and that it is the form of matter which is acquired or lost (Physics I, 5 7).

SEP

What persists, more than anything, is the reality that we did.

Huffington Post

What persists here is the dangerous notion that we don't have a problem with racism and it means that when prejudice is pointed out, white people aren't often ready to acknowledge the ways it hurts the rest of us.

Vice

Maybe not; what persists is the murky uncertainty.

The New York Times - Arts

What persists above all is the feeling of finally going to bed on a dark winter's night full of hope for what the morning will bring.

The New York Times

What persists is the one-state reality, the status quo, and, with it, the corrosive rhetoric and behavior that has turned Ruvi Rivlin into an unexpected prophet.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what persisted", ensure the context clearly establishes what changes or events the subject has persisted through. This clarifies the significance of its endurance.

Common error

Avoid using "what persisted" when referring to something that continues due to active effort. Instead, use it to describe something that endures naturally or despite external factors. For instance, don't use it to describe a project where human work is clearly involved, because "what persisted" implies an inherent quality of resistance to change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what persisted" functions as a noun phrase or a clause subject. It identifies the enduring element or aspect within a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what persisted" is a grammatically correct phrase that highlights enduring elements through changes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for formal and informal contexts, with primary usage in news, encyclopedias, and science. Consider related phrases like "what remained" or "what endured" for nuanced meanings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in the context by explaining how an object or person remained in spite of external factors. Remember not to use it where human effort is the primary cause of the persistence. Although the frequency is rare, its consistent application across various sources indicates a good option for formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what remained

Focuses on the elements that were left after a change or event. It's a direct synonym emphasizing the residue.

what endured

Emphasizes the capacity to withstand hardship and continue existing. It adds a sense of resilience.

what continued

Highlights the ongoing nature of something without necessarily implying difficulty or change.

what survived

Suggests that something overcame a threat or challenge. Conveys a sense of overcoming adversity.

what was sustained

Implies active effort to maintain or support something over a period of time.

what carried on

Indicates an uninterrupted continuation, often in a more informal or conversational context.

what held on

Emphasizes clinging to existence, often in the face of potential loss or deterioration.

what proved lasting

Focuses on the eventual characteristic of durability after a period of time. It highlights long-term existence.

what demonstrated resilience

Highlights the active quality of withstanding and recovering from difficult conditions.

what persevered

Implies steadfastness and determination in maintaining existence despite obstacles.

FAQs

How can I use "what persisted" in a sentence?

Use "what persisted" to refer to elements that remained or endured over time, particularly through changes or challenges. For example, "Despite the company's restructuring, "what persisted" was its commitment to quality".

What are some alternatives to "what persisted"?

You can use alternatives like "what remained", "what endured", or "what survived" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "what persisted" formal or informal?

"What persisted" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, it's more commonly found in formal writing, such as academic papers, news articles, and reports.

What is the difference between "what persisted" and "what remained"?

While both phrases are similar, "what remained" focuses on the residue after a change, whereas ""what persisted"" emphasizes the ability to endure through change or challenges.