i continued to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I continued to be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that you persisted in a certain state or condition over time. Example: "Despite the challenges, I continued to be optimistic about the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

I continued to be enveloped in Mandela's exceptional courtesy.

The Guardian

I continued to be called a human rights defender.

The Guardian

" I continued to be anxious until I gave up and I said: 'Lord, you have won.

The New York Times

"I was so into it that night that I continued to be the King.

The New Yorker

I stopped dialing in and went back to school, where I continued to be a flop.

The New York Times

They never did, and I continued to be clobbered by desire, year after year.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

And I continue to be.

The New Yorker

"I continue to be optimistic.

Independent

"I continue to be flattered," he said.

The New York Times

"Will I continue to be a cyclist?

The New York Times - Sports

Instinctively, I continue to be drawn to the idea.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I continued to be" to express a sustained state, especially when contrasting with a previous or expected change. For example, "Despite the setback, I continued to be optimistic."

Common error

Avoid using "I continued to be" in very simple sentences where "I was still" or "I remained" would be more concise and effective. For instance, instead of "I continued to be tired", consider "I was still tired".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I continued to be" functions as a declarative statement expressing the ongoing nature of a state or condition. It highlights the persistence of a particular characteristic or feeling in the subject. As noted by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Huffington Post

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Opinion

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I continued to be" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express the continuation of a state or condition. Ludwig AI validates its usability across various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as in more personal narratives on platforms like the Huffington Post. Although versatile, it's important to consider conciseness and use simpler alternatives like "I remained" or "I was still" when appropriate. The phrase strikes a neutral tone, suitable for diverse writing scenarios, emphasizing sustained experiences or characteristics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i was still

A shorter and more direct way to convey the continuation of a state.

i remained

This alternative suggests a state of staying in the same condition without change.

i kept being

Focuses on the ongoing nature of the state or condition.

i persisted in being

This option emphasizes determination and effort in maintaining a specific state.

i carried on being

Suggests a continuous action or state despite potential obstacles.

i went on being

Similar to "carried on being", highlighting the progression of a state.

i found myself still

This alternative expresses a realization of an ongoing state.

i endured as

This implies surviving or lasting in a particular role or state.

i prolonged my state of

Highlights the act of intentionally extending a condition.

my state persisted

Shifts the focus to the state itself as the actor, rather than the person.

FAQs

How can I use "I continued to be" in a sentence?

Use "I continued to be" to express the persistence of a state or condition. For example, "Even after the criticism, I continued to be confident in my work".

What are some alternatives to "I continued to be"?

You can use alternatives like "I remained", "I still was", or "I kept being" depending on the context.

Is "I continued to be" formal or informal?

"I continued to be" is generally neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though simpler alternatives might be preferred in very informal settings.

What's the difference between "I continued to be" and "I was still"?

"I continued to be" emphasizes the act of continuing in a state, while "I was still" simply states the ongoing state. The former can imply a conscious effort or persistence.