he kept working

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he kept working" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who continues to perform a task or job despite distractions or challenges. Example: "Even when the noise from the construction outside became unbearable, he kept working to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Yet he kept working.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And he kept working.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, he kept working.

The New York Times - Arts

He kept working despite needing neck surgery.

The New York Times - Sports

Wherever Andre was, he kept working.

The New Yorker

He kept working at a manic pace.

The Guardian

The doctor was encouraging, so he kept working.

The New York Times - Health

Dr. Masoud said he kept working surreptitiously for the rebels.

The New York Times

He kept working out, even though he was losing weight.

The New York Times - Sports

But Mr. Jabbar said he kept working at building factories.

The New York Times

But he kept working on the "Esmé" script.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he kept working" to emphasize the continuation of effort despite potential obstacles or distractions. For example, "Despite the constant interruptions, he kept working diligently to finish the report on time".

Common error

Avoid using "he kept working" when the context implies that the work was unproductive or futile. Instead, use phrases like "he persevered" or "he persisted" to convey a sense of continued effort despite challenges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he kept working" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the continuation of an action by a subject. As Ludwig examples show, it describes someone's persistence in performing a task or job. The verb "kept" functions as an auxiliary verb showing continuity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he kept working" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe someone's continued effort or persistence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, but is also present in Science and Encyclopedias. The phrase conveys a sense of dedication and perseverance, making it useful for emphasizing the subject's commitment to their task. While there are many alternatives, such as "he continued working" or "he persisted in working", "he kept working" remains a common and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he continued working

Replaces 'kept' with 'continued', offering a more formal tone.

he persisted in working

Substitutes 'kept working' with 'persisted in working', emphasizing determination.

he didn't stop working

Expresses the continuous action by negating cessation.

he labored on

Uses 'labored on' to highlight the effort involved in the work.

he never ceased to work

Highlights the uninterrupted nature of the work.

he toiled away

Employs 'toiled away' to stress the long hours and hard work.

he soldiered on

Indicates persevering through a difficult task or situation.

he plugged away

Replaces "kept working" with "plugged away", suggesting consistent, steady effort over time.

he grinded

Replaces "kept working" with "grinded", suggesting a continuous and focused effort, often through difficulty. This option is more informal.

he remained employed

Focuses on the state of employment rather than the act of working.

FAQs

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

Use "he kept working" to illustrate the persistence of an individual in performing a task, often despite difficulties. For example, "Even after the initial setbacks, "he kept working" until he achieved his goal".

What are some alternatives to "he kept working"?

You can use alternatives such as "he continued working", "he persisted in working", or "he labored on" to convey a similar meaning with slightly different nuances.

Is it better to say "he kept working" or "he continued to work"?

Both ""he kept working"" and "he continued to work" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice depends on personal preference and the desired tone. "He kept working" might suggest a more relentless persistence.

What is the difference between "he kept working" and "he kept trying"?

"He kept working" specifically refers to the continuation of labor or effort towards a task. "He kept trying", on the other hand, implies repeated attempts, regardless of whether actual work is being done. The difference lies in the focus on the activity versus the attempt.