Keep lingering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Keep lingering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest that someone should continue to stay in a place or maintain a presence, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "Even after the party ended, I could feel the memories of the night keep lingering in my mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

They will probably need a whole generation, and the memories will keep lingering".

The New Yorker

"In fact, the initial rebound is coming increasingly more consensual, but double-dip fears keep lingering".

Forbes

They seem to be the little pieces of things that just keep lingering around and withstand my attempts to demystify them. .

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It was as if a single shimmering, subtly changing cosmic chord keeps lingering.

The New York Times - Arts

The camera keeps lingering tightly on the Vikings' skulls, as if hoping that they will solve the riddle.

The New York Times - Arts

As the Brazilian national anthem floated around the Stade de France, the camera kept lingering on one man.

The Guardian - Sport

No sale, no foul, but the experience keeps lingering in my mind.

Huffington Post

It's hard to watch Roberts confronting street thugs on screen when that hotel image keeps lingering in one's mind.

Los Angeles Times

How Does Lex Luthor Not Know Who Superman Is? Lex Luthor is said to be a brilliant young mind, and while I'm interested in seeing how Jesse Eisenberg portrays the character, one question keeps lingering in the back of my mind: How does Lex not know who Superman is?

Huffington Post

It keeps going, it keeps lingering, it pushes you down…" "[ 4] Fourthly, the women wondered whether the working environment would really understand their situation after returning.

BMC Public Health

"The humidity might keep odors lingering in the air for some time," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Keep lingering" to describe something that remains present or noticeable over a period, such as memories or fears. It implies a sense of continuation and persistence.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "Keep lingering" can sound somewhat informal. In professional or academic writing, consider stronger, more precise verbs like "persist", "endure", or "remain" for added impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Keep lingering" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a continuous action. It combines the auxiliary verb 'keep' (to maintain or continue) with the present participle 'lingering' (to stay longer than necessary or expected). As Ludwig AI suggests, its usage indicates a continuation of existence, presence, or action in a sustained manner.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Keep lingering" is grammatically correct and usable in English, albeit somewhat rare in occurrence. According to Ludwig AI, it serves to describe a continuous action, specifically the prolonged presence or persistence of something. Its register is generally neutral, fitting well within news and media contexts, as the examples show. While grammatically sound, considering more precise verbs may be beneficial in formal contexts. Semantically related alternatives include "continue to linger" and "remain present".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Continue to linger

This alternative directly replaces "keep" with "continue to", maintaining a very similar meaning and grammatical structure.

Keep existing

A more straightforward way to express continued existence, suitable for various contexts.

Continue existing

Very similar to "keep existing", offering a simple alternative with the same grammatical structure.

Remain present

Focuses on the state of being present and continuing to be so, rather than the action of lingering.

Stay awhile

Suggests remaining in a place for a period, emphasizing duration.

Persist

Emphasizes the act of enduring or continuing despite obstacles, adding a sense of resilience.

Carry on existing

More formal and emphasizes the continuation of existence, applicable to abstract concepts or entities.

Endure

Implies a sustained presence or effect over time, often in the face of hardship.

Maintain its presence

Formal and emphasizes the sustained existence of something.

Sustain itself

Focuses on the ability of something to continue existing or operating.

FAQs

How can I use "Keep lingering" in a sentence?

You can use "Keep lingering" to describe something that continues to be present or noticeable over time, such as "The memories of that day "keep lingering" in my mind."

What are some alternatives to "Keep lingering"?

Alternatives include "remain present", "persist", or "continue to linger", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "Keep lingering" or "Continues to linger"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "continues to linger" may sound slightly more formal. The best choice depends on the context and desired tone. Consider the other words you are using to keep tone consistent.

What does "Keep lingering" imply about the thing that is lingering?

"Keep lingering" suggests that something is not only present but also persistent, remaining noticeable or influential over a period. It conveys a sense of continuation and sustained presence.