I kept using

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I kept using" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate continuous action in the past, often accompanied by a negative consequence. For example, "I kept using my inhaler for my asthma, but it didn't seem to help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

During my addiction to heroin and cocaine in my 20s, I kept using despite getting suspended from Columbia University, which I'd worked most of my conscious life to be able to attend.

The Guardian - Opinion

But I'll say this for crusty old Mr. Coffee and his shinier, snazzier progeny, which I kept using long after any self-respecting epicure was supposed to: None of them ever spat scalding liquid into my eye.

The New York Times

The clock on the Force was the reason I kept using it.

TechCrunch

If I was writing on deadline, I kept using Word for one simple and silly reason: the "Send To Mail Recipient" function.

TechCrunch

I was supposed to be the knowledge distributor, and yet I kept using the academic approach of holding this information for my own use," Spencer confessed.

Science Magazine

On a recent trip to Los Angeles, it kept trying to show nearby bus stations – even though I kept using driving directions from Google Maps to get around and always choose BART over busses to get around San Francisco.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

/ I think I might have allergies / Doctor, I have so many issues / I keep using so many tissues".

The New York Times

I keep using the word "audiences" instead of "readers", the word Bezos has used to replace "customers" in the original Amazon formulation.

The Guardian - Opinion

The reason I keep using the long putter is because I find it a little easier than putting with a short putter.

Independent

"I keep using the word responsible because I think the people of America understand that there's a very good chance that Dick and I will be the president and vice president," Mr. Bush said at his ranch this afternoon.

The New York Times

I keep using the word seamless.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what "I kept using" refers to. Clarity is essential to avoid ambiguity and maintain the reader's understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "I kept using" when you intend to convey a single instance of use. This phrase inherently implies a repetitive or prolonged action. Use a simple past tense verb if you only want to indicate a single instance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I kept using" functions as a verb phrase indicating a continuous or repeated action in the past. The Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Examples from Ludwig show it frequently paired with actions that persisted despite challenges or consequences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I kept using" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression indicating persistence or continued action in the past. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and provides real-world examples across different source types such as news, science and wikis. While there are various alternatives to the expression such as "I continued to use", the most appropriate one will depend on the context and specific nuance you wish to express. It is important to understand the implication of persistence or repetition that this phrase carries, and avoid using it if you only intend to describe a single instance of an action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I continued to use

Formal phrasing, simply replacing "kept" with "continued".

I persisted in using

Emphasizes a determined continuation, highlighting resolve.

I regularly used

Focuses on the frequency of use rather than persistence.

I repeatedly used

Highlights the repetitive nature of the action.

I habitually used

Implies a behavior that became a habit or routine.

I wouldn't stop using

Expresses a refusal to cease using something.

I found myself using

Highlights the involuntary nature of continuing the usage.

I was always using

Emphasizes the constant and ongoing nature of the usage.

I maintained my use of

Suggests consistent and deliberate continuation of using something.

I never stopped using

Underscores the continuous nature of the behavior with no cessation.

FAQs

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

Use "I kept using" to describe a repeated action in the past, often despite challenges or negative outcomes. For example, "I kept using the outdated software despite its frequent crashes".

What are some alternatives to "I kept using"?

You can use alternatives like "I continued to use", "I persisted in using", or "I repeatedly used" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I kept to use" instead of "I kept using"?

No, "I kept to use" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "I kept using", where "using" is a gerund functioning as the object of the verb "kept".

What's the difference between "I used to use" and "I kept using"?

"I used to use" indicates a past habit that is no longer practiced, while "I kept using" means that the action was repeated or continued in the past, implying persistence. For example, if you "used to smoke", it means you don't smoke anymore. If you "kept smoking", it suggests you continued the habit, possibly despite knowing it was harmful.