keep on hurting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep on hurting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something continues to cause pain or distress over time. Example: "Even after all these years, the memories of that day still keep on hurting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

From what I can see, the bailout's going to keep on hurting, while doing nothing about the infection.

Huffington Post

Don't even think that you can keep on hurting me.'" The circumstances reached a point where she felt she had to walk away.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Like a boxer pummeled to the canvas, he kept on getting back up, and kept on hurting until he was replaced in the 75th minute.

The New York Times - Sports

Now in winter time I have continual pain because the cold affects my head…Yeah, now, when it's time for my [menstrual] period, also, even if I take medication, I don't feel better, it keeps on hurting for three days.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

And it keeps on hurting.

Huffington Post

Toole also has a talent for giving the staccato rhythm of a fight through men who see it from the corners: "Reggie keep on putting a hurt on the boy.

The New York Times - Books

Birds keep on fighting although badly hurt.

The New Yorker

You're heart will hurt and your legs will start to hurt, but keep on going.

WikiHow

We simply asked ourselves "What are we willing to risk to rescue our parents or to simply find out if they had survived?" What are we willing to give to help this little town our parents love so much?" The answer was simple; we would keep on giving until it stops hurting.

Huffington Post

The powers-that-be in the top leagues talk the talk about preventive measures to reduce concussions -- changing checking rules, increasing suspensions -- yet players keep on getting hurt.

Huffington Post

This does not mean that you keep on getting hurt in the name of love.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep on hurting", consider the context. It's often used to describe emotional or psychological pain that persists over time, but it can also refer to physical pain.

Common error

In formal writing, avoid overusing "keep on hurting". Opt for more precise and sophisticated language such as "continue to cause pain" or "persist in causing hurt" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep on hurting" functions as a phrasal verb indicating a continuing action that causes pain or distress. Ludwig confirms its usability. The examples show its application in describing persistent emotional or physical discomfort.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

29%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep on hurting" is a grammatically sound phrasal verb that expresses the continuation of pain or distress. Ludwig AI confirms that it is usable in written English. While it's more common in news and media contexts, and generally considered to have a neutral register, it is appropriate for general use. For more formal writing, synonyms like "continue to cause pain" may be preferred. Overall, understanding the context and desired tone is crucial when deciding whether to use "keep on hurting".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue to cause pain

Replaces the phrasal verb with a more formal verb phrase.

persist in causing hurt

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the pain with 'persist'.

never stop aching

Uses 'aching' to describe a continuous, dull pain.

always be painful

Highlights the unchanging nature of the pain.

incessantly cause suffering

Conveys a heightened sense of distress and formality.

remain a source of agony

Focuses on the ongoing source of intense suffering.

perpetuate the discomfort

Emphasizes the act of prolonging the feeling of unease.

prolong the suffering

Stresses the extension of a period of pain.

sustain the anguish

Highlights the act of maintaining a state of extreme distress.

aggravate the pain

Focuses on making the pain worse.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep on hurting" to describe something that continues to cause pain or distress. For example: "Even after all these years, the memories of that day still keep on hurting."

What are some alternatives to "keep on hurting"?

Alternatives to "keep on hurting" include "continue to cause pain", "persist in causing hurt", or "always be painful" depending on the specific context.

Is "keep on hurting" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "keep on hurting" might be perceived as informal in some contexts. More formal alternatives like "continue to cause pain" may be more suitable for academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "keep on hurting" and "continue to hurt"?

"Keep on hurting" implies a continuous or repeated action of causing pain, while "continue to hurt" simply suggests that the pain is ongoing. The former has a slightly more emphatic tone.