it keeps happening

USAGE SUMMARY

'it keeps happening' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe an ongoing situation or to indicate that an event is recurring. For example, you might say, "I don't understand why it keeps happening; every time I try to start my car, it won't turn on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Yet it keeps happening.

The New York Times

It keeps happening.

The New York Times - Sports

Except it keeps happening.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Fingers crossed it keeps happening".

The Guardian - Sport

Having happened, it keeps happening.

The New Yorker

"I just hope it keeps happening.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Then it kept happening.

The Guardian - Opinion

"But then it kept happening.

The New York Times

It wasn't a small problem, and it kept happening.

The New York Times

Because it kept happening to me over and over.

The New York Times - Sports

They'd get to a point, and distance would happen, and it kept happening over and over.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it keeps happening" to describe a situation that recurs unexpectedly or undesirably. It's particularly effective when expressing frustration or concern about a repeating pattern.

Common error

While "it keeps happening" is widely understood, avoid overuse in formal writing. Opt for alternatives like "it repeatedly occurs" or "it persistently happens" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it keeps happening" functions as a statement indicating a recurring event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a grammatically correct and commonly used expression for describing ongoing issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it keeps happening" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express the recurrence of an event, often with a negative connotation. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, primarily in News & Media. While generally acceptable, it's best to use more formal alternatives in professional or academic settings. Understanding its function and register helps writers use it effectively. When a more formal tone is required, phrases such as "it continues to occur" or "it persistently happens" may be preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it continues to occur

Replaces "keeps happening" with a more formal and slightly stronger emphasis on the continuation.

it repeatedly occurs

Emphasizes the repeated nature of the event, adding a sense of pattern.

it happens frequently

Focuses on the frequency of the event, making it a straightforward alternative.

it's a recurring event

Highlights the event as something that comes back regularly, using a more descriptive noun phrase.

it persists

Indicates that something is continuing despite obstacles or resistance, adding a sense of stubbornness.

it never stops

Emphasizes the ceaseless nature of the event, conveying a sense of frustration or inevitability.

it's always happening

Focuses on the constant presence of the event, making it feel immediate and ongoing.

it's a constant occurrence

Uses a more formal tone, highlighting the steadiness of the event's appearance.

it's ongoing

Highlights the continuous nature of something, framing it as an unfinished process.

it carries on

Implies a sense of continuation despite potential difficulties, adding a layer of resilience.

FAQs

What does "it keeps happening" mean?

The phrase "it keeps happening" means that something is occurring repeatedly or continuously. It often implies a sense of frustration or inevitability about the recurring event.

How can I use "it keeps happening" in a sentence?

You can use "it keeps happening" to describe recurring events or situations. For example, "I try to fix the problem, but "it keeps happening" no matter what I do."

What can I say instead of "it keeps happening"?

You can use alternatives like "it continues to occur", "it repeatedly occurs", or "it happens frequently" depending on the context.

Is "it keeps happening" formal or informal?

The phrase "it keeps happening" is generally considered informal. In more formal contexts, you might prefer alternatives such as "it repeatedly occurs" or "the issue persists".