keep driving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep driving" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone to continue operating a vehicle without stopping. Example: "When you reach the intersection, just keep driving straight until you see the gas station on your left."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Now, they keep driving".

The New York Times - Sports

Just keep driving.

The New York Times - Sports

"Most people keep driving".

The New York Times - Tech

"He said, 'Just keep driving, man.

The New York Times

When she passed I thought 'Keep driving'.

The Guardian - Sport

It was easy enough to keep driving.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

He drives off, and keeps driving.

Independent

Neeru kept driving anyway.

The New Yorker

We kept driving.

The New Yorker

/ She just kept driving.

The New Yorker

I kept driving.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep driving" to convey the idea of perseverance or determination, especially when facing challenges or obstacles on the road.

Common error

Be specific with your intentions, it is better to provide a specific verb instead of using the general verb "keep" if that's the case. Avoid using "keep driving" when you mean something like "continue to improve your driving skills" because the phrase refers to literally driving the car.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep driving" functions primarily as a verb phrase used to instruct or describe the action of continuously operating a vehicle. The use of the auxiliary verb "keep" emphasizes the ongoing nature of the action. As confirmed by Ludwig, this usage is grammatically correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Wiki

11%

Huffington Post

7%

Less common in

Vice

7%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep driving" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to instruct or describe the action of continuously operating a vehicle. As confirmed by Ludwig, it’s a versatile phrase found frequently in news articles, wikis, and various other online sources. While alternatives like "continue driving" or "carry on driving" exist, "keep driving" provides a straightforward and easily understood directive. Ludwig examples show the phrase is used literally and metaphorically to convey perseverance and the continuation of a journey. Therefore, using "keep driving" is safe for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue driving

This alternative is a more formal and direct substitute, emphasizing the uninterrupted action of driving.

carry on driving

This alternative, more common in British English, suggests persistence and continuation of the driving action.

proceed driving

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of moving forward while driving.

keep the car moving

This alternative focuses on the movement of the vehicle rather than the act of driving itself.

don't stop driving

This alternative emphasizes the avoidance of stopping, highlighting the continuous nature of the action.

maintain speed

This alternative highlights the consistent speed instead of the continuity of the action.

press on

This alternative is less specific to driving and more general, suggesting perseverance in a journey.

drive onward

This alternative adds a sense of purpose or direction to the act of driving.

advance by car

This alternative is more descriptive and emphasizes the method of advancement as being by car.

persevere in driving

This alternative is less common and more emphatic, highlighting the determination to continue driving despite difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "keep driving" in a sentence?

You can use "keep driving" to instruct someone to continue operating a vehicle without stopping, like, "When you reach the intersection, just "keep driving" straight."

What phrases can I use instead of "keep driving"?

Alternatives to "keep driving" include "continue driving", "carry on driving", or "proceed driving", depending on the desired level of formality and regional dialect.

Is it correct to say "kept driving" instead of "keep driving"?

Yes, "kept driving" is the past tense form of "keep driving". For example, "She "kept driving" even after noticing the flat tire".

When should I use "keep driving" versus "continue driving"?

"Keep driving" and "continue driving" are often interchangeable. "Keep driving" might imply a more casual or persistent continuation, while "continue driving" can sound slightly more formal.