keep on happening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep on happening" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe events or situations that continue to occur over time. Example: "Despite our efforts to resolve the issue, the problems keep on happening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Unless we are ready to change this, incidents such as these will keep on happening as radicalized individuals will have access to these dangerous weapons.

Huffington Post

The dreadful twist on the typical story of a harrowing crime is that this one was allowed to keep on happening.

The Guardian - Opinion

Imagining that what's happening now will keep on happening is what satirists do.

The New Yorker

That's the nature of rebellion: it needs to keep on happening.

The New York Times

Daniel Gross says he doesn't want what happened to his brother to keep on happening.

The New York Times

"Lobbying scandals happen in the UK at an alarming rate, and appear to keep on happening unabated".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

But this kept on happening.

The Guardian - Opinion

He likes to take what's happening now and imagine what would happen if it kept on happening.

The New Yorker

It is a painting that keeps on happening as you look.

The Guardian - Arts

It was meant to be my escape route from all these terrible things that kept on happening.

The Guardian

The next week I found another tree that was the same and then it just kept on happening: seven of the biggest trees got cut.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep on happening" when you want to emphasize the repetitive and often undesirable nature of an event or situation. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of the tone you wish to convey.

Common error

While "keep on happening" is a valid phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or monotonous. Vary your language by using synonyms like "continue to occur" or "persist in occurring" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep on happening" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the continuous or repeated occurrence of an event or situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this expression is grammatically sound and widely used. It emphasizes the ongoing nature of the action.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Science

8%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep on happening" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that describes the continuous or repeated occurrence of an event or situation. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and widespread use, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it can convey frustration or concern about recurring issues. For more formal writing, consider using synonyms like "continue to occur" or "persist in occurring". Overusing the phrase can make writing monotonous, so vary your language to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue to occur

Formal alternative emphasizing ongoing occurrence.

persist in occurring

Emphasizes the stubborn or resistant nature of the continuing occurrence.

recur repeatedly

Highlights the cyclical nature of the events.

repeatedly take place

More descriptive and less idiomatic than the original.

unfold continuously

Implies a gradual and ongoing development.

sustain its course

Suggests a continuation despite potential obstacles.

carry on unfolding

Informal, focuses on the ongoing development of a situation.

roll on incessantly

Emphasizes the relentless and unstoppable nature of the continuation.

proceed without end

Highlights the limitless nature of the event/action.

go on perpetually

Emphasizes the constant and never-ending nature.

FAQs

How can I use "keep on happening" in a sentence?

"Keep on happening" is used to express that something is continuously occurring. For example, "Unless we address the root causes, incidents like this will "keep on happening"."

What are some alternatives to "keep on happening"?

You can use alternatives such as "continue to occur", "persist in occurring", or "repeatedly take place" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "keep on happening" formal or informal?

"Keep on happening" is generally considered informal but can be used in neutral contexts like news reporting. For more formal writing, consider using phrases like "continue to occur" or "persist in occurring".

What does it mean when someone says something "keeps on happening"?

When something "keeps on happening", it means that a particular event or situation is recurring continuously, often suggesting a sense of frustration or inevitability about the repeated occurrences.