Persist vs Until we get it right

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

Persist

Top 2,000 (common)C1verb

Until we get it right

Top 3,000 (common)
Most common: Persist
 PersistUntil we get it right
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //pəˈsɪst//🇺🇸 //pərˈsɪst//🇬🇧 //ənˈtɪl wiː ɡɛt ɪt raɪt//🇺🇸 //ənˈtɪl wi ɡɛt ɪt raɪt//
MeaningTo keep trying despite difficulties or obstacles.A phrase meaning to keep trying until you succeed.
ExampleDespite numerous setbacks, she decided to persist with her research project.We will keep practicing until we get it right.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 3,000 (common)
CEFR levelC1-
Part of speechverb
Collocationspersist in doing something, persist with a plan, persist through challengeskeep trying until, practice until, work until, improve until
Antonymsgive up, quit, yield-
Common mistakesConfused 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.Using 'until' instead of 'while' in similar contexts., 'Get' confused with 'have,' leading to inaccurate phrases.
Usage notesUse '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.Use in casual or formal settings when discussing persistence. Avoid in very formal writing.

Frequently asked questions: Persist vs Until we get it right

What's the difference between Persist and Until we get it right?

Persist: To keep trying despite difficulties or obstacles. Until we get it right: A phrase meaning to keep trying until you succeed.

Which is more common: Persist and Until we get it right?

Persist is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Persist: Despite numerous setbacks, she decided to persist with her research project. Until we get it right: We will keep practicing until we get it right.

Can I use Persist and Until we get it right interchangeably?

Not always. Persist and Until we get it right 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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