Cool MatePersist vs We can continue
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Persist
Top 2,000 (common)C1verb
We can continue
Top 1,000 (very common)
Most common: We can continue
| Persist | We can continue | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //pəˈsɪst//🇺🇸 //pərˈsɪst// | 🇬🇧 //wiː kən kənˈtɪn.juː//🇺🇸 //wi kən kənˈtɪnju// |
| Meaning | To keep trying despite difficulties or obstacles. | We can keep going. |
| Example | Despite numerous setbacks, she decided to persist with her research project. | After the break, we can continue with the presentation. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | persist in doing something, persist with a plan, persist through challenges | continue the conversation, continue the work, continue a journey, continue a tradition, continue doing something |
| Antonyms | give up, quit, yield | - |
| Common mistakes | 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. | Using 'can' instead of 'could' for past ability., Confusing 'continue' with 'go on' in complex sentences., Inserting unnecessary words like 'to' before 'continue'. |
| Usage notes | 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. | Commonly used to express the idea of carrying on with an activity. Suitable for both formal and informal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Persist vs We can continue
What's the difference between Persist and We can continue?
Persist: To keep trying despite difficulties or obstacles. We can continue: We can keep going.
Which is more common: Persist and We can continue?
We can continue 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. We can continue: After the break, we can continue with the presentation.
Can I use Persist and We can continue interchangeably?
Not always. Persist and We can continue 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.