i stayed working

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I stayed working" is not standard in written English and may sound awkward to native speakers.
It could be used in informal contexts to imply that you continued to work for a period of time, but it is better to use more conventional phrasing. Example: "Even after hours, I stayed working on the project to meet the deadline."

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I stayed working in the Ghetto's metal factory until one day we were all put on cattle trucks and sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

If I stay working with Pep Guardiola, if he wants me, he's just going to be a lucky man because I will be really hungry.

The Guardian - Sport

Being active on here has definitely made me more left-wing - occasionally bashing heads with some of more callous extreme right-wingers that frequent CiF (presumably out of masochism?), it always reaffirms how important it is that I stay working with activism, protests, and constantly writing to my MP and the Lords.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I stay working because I love it, and because I feel best on the days when I'm busy.

Wikipedia

I would never have had these opportunities if I had stayed working at the bench.

Science Magazine

"I have stayed working for 20-something years, so there must be something else behind the guns," she said.

Los Angeles Times

If I was going to worship money I would have stayed working in an office.

Vice

"Without school, I probably would have stayed working as a barista, gone back to selling pot, not being able to support my daughter.

Huffington Post

Some immigrants stayed, working in local industries.

The Economist

When I finally went back to work 14 months later, I didn't know if I could stay working as a doctor.

The Guardian

If I have to stay working, I have a couple email buddies that I can send a quick "OMG!!" post to, and they will respond in kind.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity and conciseness, consider using more common alternatives like "i continued working" or "i kept working".

Common error

Avoid using "i stayed working" in formal writing. While understandable, it can sound unnatural to native English speakers. Opt for alternatives like "i continued to work" or "i kept working" for smoother expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i stayed working" functions as a statement of continued action. It indicates that the speaker persisted in their work. Although understandable, Ludwig AI notes that it's not the most standard phrasing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "i stayed working" indicates a continuation of work. While understandable, Ludwig advises that it's not the most standard or elegant phrasing in English. Alternatives like "i continued working" or "i kept working" are generally preferred, especially in formal contexts. The sources show its usage primarily in news and media, suggesting a neutral but not necessarily formal register. While "i stayed working" is acceptable, opting for more common alternatives can enhance clarity and professionalism in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i continued to work

Uses a more standard construction with "continued" for ongoing action.

i kept working

Replaces "stayed" with "kept", indicating continuous action.

i remained working

Substitutes "stayed" with "remained", which is slightly more formal.

i persisted in working

Emphasizes effort and determination in continuing to work.

i stayed on the job

Focuses on staying in a specific employment position.

i stayed employed

Highlights the state of being employed continuously.

i kept at my job

Indicates dedication and perseverance in one's work.

i carried on working

Emphasizes the continuation of work activities.

i dedicated myself to work

Focuses on commitment and devotion to work.

i was dedicated to my work

Expresses a sense of commitment and responsibility to the work.

FAQs

What's a more natural way to say "i stayed working"?

More natural alternatives include "i continued working" or "i kept working". These phrases are more common and flow better in English.

Is "i stayed working" grammatically incorrect?

While not strictly incorrect, "i stayed working" is an unconventional phrasing. It's preferable to use "i continued working" or "i kept working", which are more standard.

When is it okay to use "i stayed working"?

You might use "i stayed working" in informal conversation, but it's best to avoid it in formal or professional writing. Use alternatives for better clarity.

What's the difference between "i stayed working" and "i stayed at work"?

"I stayed at work" typically means you remained in the workplace. "I stayed working" implies you continued to perform work, regardless of location. For example: "I stayed at work late to finish the project" vs. "Even at home, "I stayed working on the project"".