I kept believing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I kept believing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a continued faith or trust in something over a period of time, often despite challenges or doubts. Example: "Even when things got tough, I kept believing that everything would work out in the end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"I knew the factors, but I kept believing technology would triumph over them".

The New York Times

I knew when I put it together it was going to go far and I kept believing that".

The Guardian - Sport

I kept working hard and I kept believing, even at some points when I didn't have a reason to because I played so badly sometimes".

The New York Times - Sports

"I've learned a lot about myself this week, especially about my resilience," said Rose. "I kept my head up and I kept believing.

The Guardian - Sport

The old frets would come back by daylight and I kept believing we were going to break down at Fort Stockton or Truth or Consequences, that the car would start shooting geysers of oil, no tow truck in sight.

The New York Times

"I kept believing, but it's been a long time.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

That's what I keep believing".

The New York Times - Sports

I keep believing in the idea of love, almost too readily.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Even though I had three years out, I could still prove to myself that if I keep believing and keep my trust and my faith then I will do a good job.

Independent

I've just got to make sure I am doing the right things, that I keep believing in myself and I have a chance".

The Guardian - Sport

"Don't Worry", reads Creed's neon work, while several of Emin's recent neon signs are equally direct, reading "Trust Me" and "I Keep Believing in You".

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I kept believing", ensure that the context clearly indicates what you were believing in. A specific object or outcome will make the sentence more impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "I kept believing" when the situation clearly contradicts the belief. Overusing the phrase in situations where evidence strongly suggests otherwise can make your writing seem naive or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I kept believing" functions as a statement of continued conviction. It typically appears in narrative contexts to express persistence of belief despite adversity or uncertainty. As noted by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

25%

General

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I kept believing" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey continued faith or optimism, particularly in the face of challenges. According to Ludwig, the expression is deemed correct and appropriate for use. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, as well as in sports reporting, emphasizing resilience and determination. While there are numerous semantically similar phrases, such as "I continued to believe" or "I persisted in believing", each carries slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, ensure the context supports the continued belief and avoids unrealistic or naive portrayals. The phrase is considered grammatically sound and fit for use in diverse communicative contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I continued to believe

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the belief without necessarily implying struggle or resistance.

I persisted in believing

Highlights the effort and determination to maintain the belief against opposing forces or doubts.

I maintained my belief

Focuses on the steadfastness and unwavering nature of the belief.

I held onto my belief

Suggests a conscious effort to not relinquish the belief, especially when facing adversity.

I never stopped believing

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the belief from a certain point onward, highlighting resilience.

I remained confident

Shifts the focus to a feeling of assurance, rather than a conviction in something specific.

I never lost faith

Highlights the trust and confidence aspect of the belief.

I kept the faith

Implies a religious or spiritual context, suggesting a reliance on divine power or guidance.

I had unwavering faith

Focuses on strength and certainty of belief.

I trusted all along

Highlights confidence and faith since the beginning

FAQs

What does "I kept believing" mean?

It means you continued to have faith or confidence in something, even when things were difficult or uncertain. It emphasizes perseverance and unwavering trust.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "I kept believing"?

It's suitable when you want to convey a sense of resilience, optimism, and continued faith despite challenges or doubts. For example, "Even when things got tough, "I kept believing" that everything would work out in the end."

What are some alternatives to "I kept believing"?

You can use alternatives like "I continued to believe", "I persisted in believing", or "I maintained my belief" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "I kept believing" differ from "I started believing"?

"I kept believing" implies a continuation of a pre-existing belief despite challenges, whereas "I started believing" indicates the commencement of a new belief. The former suggests resilience, while the latter suggests a change in perspective.