Go on all day vs Persist

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Go on all day

Top 2,000 (common)

Persist

Top 2,000 (common)C1verb
 Go on all dayPersist
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //ɡəʊ ɒn ɔːl deɪ//🇺🇸 //ɡoʊ ɑn ɔl deɪ//🇬🇧 //pəˈsɪst//🇺🇸 //pərˈsɪst//
MeaningTo continue for the entire day.To keep trying despite difficulties or obstacles.
ExampleThe festival will go on all day with various activities.Despite numerous setbacks, she decided to persist with her research project.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR level-C1
Part of speechverb
Collocationstalk go on all day, celebration go on all day, activities go on all daypersist in doing something, persist with a plan, persist through challenges
Antonyms-give up, quit, yield
Common mistakesConfusing with 'go all the way' which has a different meaning., Using in a written context where only formal phrases should be used.Confused with 'insist' - both imply persistence but have different uses., Incorrect verb form - it's 'persisted' for past tense, not 'persisted' for plural subjects., Omitting subject pronoun is common in informal speech.
Usage notesUse in informal contexts when describing events or activities that last from morning to night. Not suitable for formal writing.Use 'persist' when you want to express determination to continue with an action. It can apply to personal efforts, research, or legislative processes. Avoid using it in casual contexts where simpler words like 'hang on' might be more appropriate.

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Go on all day

Frequently asked questions: Go on all day vs Persist

What's the difference between Go on all day and Persist?

Go on all day: To continue for the entire day. Persist: To keep trying despite difficulties or obstacles.

Can you show an example of each?

Go on all day: The festival will go on all day with various activities. Persist: Despite numerous setbacks, she decided to persist with her research project.

Can I use Go on all day and Persist interchangeably?

Not always. Go on all day and Persist are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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