I kept getting

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "I kept getting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can generally use this phrase when talking about repeating an action over and over again. For example, "I kept getting calls from unknown numbers, so I decided to change my phone number."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I kept getting it wrong.

The New Yorker

"I kept getting hurt.

The New York Times - Sports

"I kept getting injured".

The New York Times - Health

"I kept getting disenchanted," Ms. Delfino said.

The New York Times

I kept getting caught in traffic.

The New York Times - Arts

"I kept getting told no.

The New York Times - Sports

"But I kept getting recognized".

The New York Times

That's why I kept getting kicked out".

The New York Times

I kept getting palmed off with antibiotics.

The Guardian

I kept getting sidetracked by celebrity memoirs.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I wondered why I kept getting shorter".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I kept getting", ensure the context clearly indicates what you were repeatedly receiving or experiencing to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing "I kept getting" in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "I repeatedly received" or "I consistently encountered" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I kept getting" functions as a part of a clause, typically within a sentence, to describe a recurring action or experience. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase introduces what the speaker repeatedly received, encountered, or experienced, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Academia

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I kept getting" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe recurring events or experiences. Predominantly found in news and media, it effectively conveys repetition or persistence. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, remember to consider formality when writing academically. Alternatives such as "I repeatedly received" may be more appropriate in certain contexts. Always aim for clarity and precision when narrating events, ensuring your choice of words aligns with the overall tone and purpose of your writing, as showcased in Ludwig's numerous examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I continually received

Replaces "kept" with "continually" and "getting" with "received", emphasizing ongoing reception.

I repeatedly obtained

Substitutes "kept" and "getting" with synonyms that highlight the repeated acquisition.

I was constantly acquiring

Uses a passive voice and different verb forms to express a similar continuous action.

I found myself consistently facing

Emphasizes the speaker's perspective of encountering a recurring situation.

I regularly experienced

Focuses on regular occurrences and personal experience, differing slightly in tone.

I persistently encountered

Highlights the persistent nature of the encounters, adding a sense of challenge or difficulty.

I invariably came across

Indicates that the encounters were unavoidable or happened without fail.

I habitually received

Implies that the reception was a customary or usual occurrence.

I perpetually had

Suggests that the speaker was in continuous possession of something, which may not always align perfectly with the original meaning.

I consistently underwent

Emphasizes the speaker's experience of consistently being subjected to something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I kept getting" to sound more formal?

Consider alternatives like "I repeatedly received", "I consistently obtained", or "I continuously acquired" for a more formal tone. The choice depends on the specific context and what you were receiving or experiencing.

What does "I kept getting" imply about the situation?

It suggests that something happened to you repeatedly, often despite your efforts to avoid it. It can convey frustration, persistence, or simply the repetitive nature of an event.

Is it appropriate to use "I kept getting" in academic writing?

While not inherently incorrect, it may be too informal for some academic contexts. Evaluate your audience and the overall tone of your writing. More formal alternatives might be more suitable; for example, "I encountered consistently".

What's a simple way to remember when to use "I kept getting"?

Think of it as a way to describe actions that happened "again and again". If you can replace "I kept getting" with "again and again" and the sentence still makes sense, it's likely an appropriate usage.