I kept working

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I kept working" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that you continued to work on a task or project despite distractions or challenges. Example: "Even though the noise was distracting, I kept working until I finished the report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

I kept working every day".

The New York Times - Sports

I kept working".

The New Yorker

I kept working hard.

The New York Times

Then I kept working at it.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It was disappointing, but I kept working at it".

The New York Times - Sports

"I kept working on it until I resolved the decision".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

That's why I keep working".

The New York Times - Sports

I thank him and I keep working.

The Guardian - Sport

"I keep working hard and good things happen," he said.

The New York Times

"I like my chances if I keep working hard".

The New York Times - Sports

"If I keep working hard, I have a chance," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I kept working" to clearly convey that you continued your efforts despite potential setbacks or distractions. This emphasizes your perseverance and dedication.

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses within a sentence. If you start with "I kept working", maintain the past tense for subsequent actions related to that period.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I kept working" functions as a declarative statement indicating the continuation of an action. It combines a subject ("I"), a past tense verb ("kept"), and a gerund ("working") to express sustained effort. Ludwig AI affirms the correctness of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Sport

18%

Arts

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I kept working" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that communicates sustained effort or persistence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a clear and usable phrase in written English. The phrase finds common use in news, sports, and arts reporting to underline someone's determination. While the register is generally neutral, consider using more formal alternatives like "I continued to work" in professional settings. Remember to maintain consistent tense and avoid shifting awkwardly. With the diverse range of examples available through Ludwig, you can be confident in using "I kept working" effectively in your own writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I continued to work

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the work, slightly more formal.

I persisted in working

Highlights the determination to continue despite difficulties.

I carried on working

Suggests proceeding with work after an interruption or obstacle, common in British English.

I kept at it

More informal, implying perseverance in the face of challenges.

I remained working

Focuses on maintaining a working state or condition.

I didn't stop working

Emphasizes the lack of cessation of work, often used to counter an assumption of stopping.

I diligently worked on

Highlights carefulness and thoroughness in continuing the work.

I tenaciously worked

Emphasizes a strong grip and determination to the task.

I pressed on with my work

Implies moving forward with effort despite obstacles.

I never ceased working

Emphasizes the unceasing nature of the work, more emphatic and formal.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "I continued to work", "I persisted in my work", or "I carried on working" depending on the context.

What does "I kept working" imply about my effort?

The phrase "I kept working" suggests that you maintained effort and dedication despite potential challenges, interruptions, or lack of immediate success.

Is there a difference between "I kept working" and "I continued working"?

While similar, "I kept working" emphasizes persistence or resilience, whereas "I continued working" simply highlights the uninterrupted nature of the work.

What are some common situations where I might use the phrase "I kept working"?

You can use "I kept working" when describing how you managed distractions, overcame obstacles, or maintained productivity during challenging times.