I kept on trying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I kept on trying" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express persistence or continued effort in the face of challenges or difficulties. Example: "Even after failing multiple times, I kept on trying until I finally succeeded."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"I thought I had to be married and I kept on trying to be married," he says.

Independent

I kept on trying to translate "mink coat and no knickers" as we sweated and jostled through vapid exhibits at MuCEM, trivialised by big swinging architectural rhetoric.

Independent

I kept on trying to trip it up with song titles like "Mandolin Wind," but it almost always found the correct song.

The New York Times - Tech

As I drove home after the meeting, I kept on trying to make excuses as to why I was justified in driving to the meeting.

The Guardian

Through all this thrashing, twisting, gulping, choking, gasping, coughing, cursing, plunging, sputtering, and floundering, I kept on trying to imagine a different novel, stripped of its unreasonable raison d'être and its childish sweets, a more rigorous fiction entitled, perhaps, not "The Goldfinch" but just "Theo Decker".

The New Yorker

I kept on trying different techniques to improve my tail.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

I might not have HIV, but I keep on trying to imagine what I would think of this if I did.

Independent

All I know is I'm never satisfied with it, and I keep on trying to get it into better shape.

The New York Times - Arts

What do I keep on trying to do?

WikiHow

Never give up on it, keep on trying.

WikiHow

But she kept on trying.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I kept on trying" to emphasize the repetitive or continuous nature of an attempt, especially when highlighting resilience in the face of challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "I kept on trying" when describing a single, isolated attempt. Use simpler phrases like "I tried" if the action wasn't repeated or continuous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I kept on trying" functions as a verbal phrase expressing continuous effort. It highlights the subject's persistence in attempting something, often despite facing challenges or setbacks. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

30%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I kept on trying" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase to express ongoing effort and persistence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for conveying determination in various contexts, particularly in news, media, and general writing. While there are numerous alternative phrases like "I persisted" or "I didn't give up", the choice depends on the specific shade of meaning you aim to communicate. Remember to use it when emphasizing the continuous nature of the attempt, and avoid overusing it for single actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I didn't give up

A simple, direct expression of resilience, emphasizing the refusal to surrender.

I kept at it

More informal and colloquial, suitable for casual conversation.

I pressed on

Emphasizes forward movement and continuing despite difficulties or setbacks.

I persisted

Emphasizes determination and a steadfast refusal to give up, lacking the continuous aspect of the original phrase.

I persevered

Highlights the effort to overcome obstacles and challenges, implying a level of difficulty.

I continued to attempt

Formal and focuses on the act of attempting, making it suitable for technical or formal contexts.

I remained determined

Focuses on the mental state of resolve and unwillingness to abandon the effort.

I relentlessly pursued

Implies a strong, unwavering focus and effort towards achieving a goal.

I strove continuously

Stresses ongoing effort and striving, fitting for describing long-term dedication.

I hammered away

Suggests repetitive and persistent effort, useful when describing breaking through resistance.

FAQs

What does "I kept on trying" mean?

The phrase "I kept on trying" means that someone repeatedly made attempts to do something, suggesting persistence and determination in the face of possible difficulty or failure.

What are some alternatives to "I kept on trying"?

You can use alternatives such as "I persisted", "I continued to attempt", or "I didn't give up" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I kept on trying"?

Yes, the phrase "I kept on trying" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express repeated attempts or continuous effort.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "I kept on trying"?

It is appropriate to use "I kept on trying" in situations where you want to emphasize the repeated nature of your attempts and your persistence in the face of challenges. It suggests a continued effort over a period of time.