he kept on

USAGE SUMMARY

"he kept on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is continuing an action, especially one that has been discussed previously. For example, "He kept on walking, no matter how tired he got."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He kept on digging.

The Guardian

He kept on giving.

The New York Times

He kept on with it.

The Guardian

But he kept on going,' Smith said.

The Guardian

Instead, he kept on with the others.

The New Yorker

He kept on going; a bit like us today".

Independent

"He kept on going and going and going".

The New York Times - Sports

He kept on his green cap with ear flaps.

The New York Times

"I was scared but he kept on asking.

The New York Times

Caller: But he kept on tonight with this situation here.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He keeps on laughing, hysterically, stuck in a feedback loop.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he kept on" to indicate the continuation of an action or behavior, especially when there's an element of persistence or repetition involved. For example, "Despite the rain, he kept on running."

Common error

Ensure the tense of "kept" aligns with the surrounding text. Avoid switching between past and present tenses when describing a continuous action. For example, instead of "He keeps on trying even though he kept failing", use "He kept on trying even though he kept failing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he kept on" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the continuation of an action by a male subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. The numerous examples illustrate its use in various contexts to express persistence or uninterrupted activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

99%

Science

0.5%

Formal & Business

0.5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0.5%

Science

0.5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he kept on" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to describe the continuation of an action, particularly with an emphasis on persistence. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness. Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral tone suitable for various contexts. While alternatives like "he persisted" or "he continued" exist, "he kept on" remains a straightforward and common choice. Remember to maintain tense consistency and avoid overuse for stylistic clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he kept going

A more colloquial version of "he kept on".

he continued

A more general term for carrying on without interruption.

he carried on

Implies continuing despite challenges or obstacles.

he went on

Similar to "continued" but can also imply a transition to a new topic.

he persisted

This alternative emphasizes determination in the face of difficulty.

he pressed on

Suggests moving forward with purpose and resolve.

he persevered

Highlights the act of overcoming obstacles through sustained effort.

he stuck with it

Emphasizes loyalty and commitment to a task or goal.

he proceeded

A more formal way of saying "he continued".

he maintained

Focuses on sustaining a certain level or state.

FAQs

How can I use "he kept on" in a sentence?

Use "he kept on" to show the continuation of an action, like "He kept on asking questions even after I told him I didn't know."

What's a less common way to say "he kept on"?

Instead of "he kept on", try using phrases such as "he persisted" or "he persevered" to add variety to your writing.

Is it ever incorrect to use "he kept on"?

While grammatically correct, overuse of "he kept on" can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "he continued" or "he pressed on" for stylistic variation.

What's the difference between "he kept on" and "he kept at it"?

"He kept on" generally describes the continuation of a specific action, while "he kept at it" implies persistent effort towards a goal, like "He kept on practicing the piano" versus "He kept at it until he mastered the skill".