I kept hanging

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I kept hanging" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone continues to wait or remain in a state of uncertainty or suspension. Example: "After the meeting ended, I kept hanging around, hoping to catch a word with the manager."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"I kept hanging up on people because I didn't know how to work the phone".

The New Yorker

"I kept hanging onto them thinking, 'They've got to be good for something,"' she said, laughing.

The New York Times

"I kept hanging the phone up, thinking it was my guys playing a joke".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But I thought if I keep hanging on and making these bloody awful records..."...

The Guardian - Music

They always want to count me out, but I keep hanging around".

The New York Times - Sports

"My mum used to say to me, if I keep hanging about with people who I know are doing wrong things and I say nothing, then I must be a follower.

The Guardian

At my urging in early November, my husband and teenage son huffed manfully through a dry run of possible seating arrangements, shoving back sofas and fetching the assorted flea market chairs I keep hanging in the barn.

The New York Times

"I was getting so torn up, but I just kept hanging in there; I had so much invested.

The New York Times

However, he kept hanging around and finally explained, "I really don't want to leave you alone here, even for a little while.

Huffington Post

I started teaching myself the pieces and just kind of kept hanging around the piano with those pieces and writing my own.

Huffington Post

"I was pulling her off with my right arm but she kept hanging to the inside.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I kept hanging", ensure the context clearly indicates what you were hanging from or around. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "I kept hanging" without clarifying the location or object of hanging. Without proper context, the phrase can become vague or confusing. Use a more specific phrasal verb, like keep hanging around, keep hanging on etc.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I kept hanging" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a repeated or continuous action in the past. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, the verb 'kept' here signifies continuation, modifying the action described by 'hanging'.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I kept hanging" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to convey repeated or continuous action, frequently related to persistence. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, while it isn't extraordinarily common, its instances in reputable news outlets and various other contexts affirm its legitimacy. When employing "I kept hanging", ensure clarity by providing adequate context. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for different kinds of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I continued to hang

Replaces "kept" with "continued to" offering a slightly more formal tone, maintaining the core meaning of prolonged action.

I persisted in hanging

Substitutes "kept" with "persisted in", emphasizing determination in continuing the action.

I carried on hanging

Suggests the action was still ongoing in the past.

I was always hanging

Shifts the focus to a habitual aspect with "was always", suggesting a recurrent state.

I would always hang

Similar to 'I was always hanging', this also shows that the action was a habit in the past.

I never stopped hanging

Highlights the uninterrupted nature of the action, stressing a lack of cessation.

I habitually hung

Highlights repeated action in the past.

I repeatedly hung

Emphasizes the recurring nature of the act.

I sustained my hanging

Focuses on endurance of the act of hanging, suggesting effort in maintaining the state.

I maintained a hanging position

This is more suitable for technical writing because it's more specific.

FAQs

How can I use "I kept hanging" in a sentence?

Use "I kept hanging" to describe a repeated action of suspending oneself or an object from something. For example, "I kept hanging the picture until it was perfectly level."

What's a more formal way to say "I kept hanging"?

A more formal alternative could be "I continued to suspend" or "I persisted in hanging" depending on the specific context.

What does "I kept hanging around" mean?

"I kept hanging around" implies staying in a place or near someone, often without a specific purpose. Consider alternatives like "lingered" or "remained nearby".

Is it correct to say "I kept hanging on"?

Yes, "I kept hanging on" is a common idiom meaning to persevere or endure through a difficult situation. It suggests resisting a force that's trying to remove you.