it kept getting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it kept getting" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to describe a recurring action or situation. Here is an example: "It kept getting colder and colder as the winter months passed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Ms. Armaza, said she and her friend noticed that "it kept getting deeper and deeper".

The New York Times

And it kept getting hotter.

The New York Times

It kept getting better.

The New York Times - Sports

"It kept getting better and better.

The New York Times

From then, it kept getting easier.

The New York Times

"It kept getting more and more dangerous.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Its first problem is that it keeps getting more expensive while alternatives keep getting cheaper.

Forbes

It keeps getting worse.

University of California, Berkeley

"It keeps getting more popular".

The New York Times

It keeps getting earlier".

The New York Times

"It keeps getting wider.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "it kept getting" with adverbs like "steadily", "increasingly", or "progressively" to emphasize the rate and nature of the change.

Common error

Ensure the subject "it" is clearly defined to avoid confusing the reader. For example, instead of "The situation was bad and it kept getting worse", specify "The situation kept getting worse".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it kept getting" functions as a verbal phrase, indicating a continuous or repeated action. It is typically used to describe a process or situation that evolves over time, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it kept getting" is a versatile and commonly used verbal phrase that conveys a sense of ongoing change or progression. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it has a neutral register, ensuring the subject "it" is clearly defined can enhance clarity. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "it continued to escalate". Overall, "it kept getting" is a reliable and effective way to describe evolving situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it continued to become

Focuses on the continuous nature of the change, emphasizing the ongoing process.

it progressively turned into

Highlights the gradual transformation, implying a step-by-step evolution.

it steadily evolved towards

Emphasizes a consistent and directed development over time.

it incessantly grew to be

Stresses the ceaseless nature of the growth, portraying an unstopping advancement.

it incrementally developed into

Presents the change as a series of small steps, showing a gradual transition.

it unremittingly changed into

Focuses on the unrelenting nature of the transformation, indicating a constant alteration.

it persistently advanced toward

Emphasizes the continued and determined movement in a specific direction.

it relentlessly morphed into

Highlights the unyielding transformation, suggesting a forceful and unstoppable change.

it ceaselessly converted to

Focuses on the uninterrupted alteration, underscoring the constant shift.

it constantly shifted towards

Highlights the continuous movement and adaptation in a particular direction.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it kept getting" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "it continued to escalate", "it progressively worsened", or "it steadily increased" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "it kept getting" and "it was getting"?

"It kept getting" implies a continuous or repetitive action, while "it was getting" suggests a single instance or a less frequent occurrence. For example, "The noise kept getting louder" indicates repeated increases in volume, while "the noise was getting louder" refers to a singular increase.

Is it ever incorrect to use "it kept getting"?

While generally acceptable, using "it kept getting" may sound repetitive in certain contexts. Ensure the repetitive nature is intentional and adds value to the sentence. Otherwise, consider using a more concise alternative.

What can I say instead of "it kept getting" when describing a positive change?

When describing a positive change, you can use phrases such as "it kept improving", "it continued to enhance", or "it progressively developed".