Rule reminder
In extended contexts, the correct periphrasis depends on: the temporal aspect (start, ongoing, end, imminent), the register (formal/informal), and the narrative relationship between events. Pay attention to time words (improvvisamente, gradualmente, sempre, da anni, stava per, appena) which signal which periphrasis is needed.
'Nonostante le molte critiche, l'artista ___ a dipingere nel suo stile unico.' (keeps painting despite criticism — persistent) Best?