"If the problem still persist" vs "If the problem still persists"

Question

"If the problem still persist" vs "If the problem still persists"

The correct phrase is "If the problem still persists," because the word "problem" is singular, and the singular third-person form of the verb "persist" is "persists."

Last Updated: December 10, 2017

The problem in this phrase is that the subject does not agree with the verb. The subject is singular, and the verb is not.

Here is a brief conjugation of the verb "persist":

1st person singular: I persist

2nd person (singular or plural): you persist

3rd person singular: he/she/it persists

1st person plural: we persist

3rd person plural: they persist

Explanation provided by a TextRanch English expert

Some alternatives from our editors:

if the problem still persists

Use this phrase when talking about a problem that is proving difficult to solve.

Explanation provided by a TextRanch English expert

Some examples from our editors:

If the problem still persists, please call the electrician.
If the problem still persists, please contact us.

Some alternatives from our editors:

if the problem persists
if the problem is not solved
if the problem continues

Answer 1

If the problem still persist

This is not correct. Don't use this phrase.

Answer 2

If the problem still persists

This is correct

"If the problem still persist" vs "If the problem still persists"

If the problem still persist

If the problem still persists

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