keeps catching

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keeps catching" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a recurring action or event that continues to occur, often unexpectedly or repeatedly. Example: "Every time I think I've moved on, something keeps catching my attention and pulling me back."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Her candour keeps catching me by surprise.

The Guardian

He keeps catching passes and he keeps refusing to go down.

The New York Times - Sports

No matter how hard she tries to run, war just keeps catching up with her.

The Guardian

"Mickey's kind of like Abe Lincoln; he keeps catching people," said Robert W. Creamer, who wrote and researched the 1964 book "The Quality of Courage" for Mantle.

The New York Times - Sports

That photograph keeps catching my eye in this spring of 2009 as New York's two major-league teams prepare to take up residence in grandiose new stadiums.

The New York Times

Bowie plans to abandon his life of crime; he hopes to clear his name and dreams of an honest and modest family life with Keechie, but his past keeps catching up with him.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"Catch it and kill it, and just keep catching it and killing it".

Vice

They keep catching up.

The Guardian

My blades kept catching fleece.

The New York Times

You keep catching them with cigarettes.

The New York Times

She kept catching my eye and smiling.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keeps catching" to describe recurring events or actions, especially when something unexpectedly or repeatedly attracts attention or physically snags.

Common error

In formal or academic writing, avoid overusing "keeps catching" for variety. Opt for more precise verbs like "persistently attracts" or "reliably intercepts" to convey nuanced meanings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeps catching" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a recurring action. Ludwig AI examples show it often describes something repeatedly attracting attention or physically snagging.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

12%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keeps catching" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that effectively describes recurring events or the repeated drawing of attention. According to Ludwig AI, it is acceptable in written English. While prevalent in news and informal contexts, more formal settings might benefit from stronger vocabulary. Examples show the phrase used to convey both physical snagging and abstract attraction. When choosing an alternative, consider the nuances – continually snags for negativity, constantly attracts for appeal. It's important to use "keeps catching" to describe recurring events or actions and avoiding overusing "keeps catching" in formal writing, and opt for more precise verbs to convey nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continually snags

Emphasizes the repetitive nature of getting caught, with a slightly negative connotation.

persistently grabs

Highlights the ongoing action of capturing something, implying a strong hold.

unfailingly captures

Emphasizes the reliability and consistency of the capturing action.

repeatedly seizes

Focuses on the act of taking hold multiple times, suggesting control or dominance.

reliably intercepts

Focuses on the act of stopping something in its path, implying a strategic or defensive move.

constantly attracts

Shifts the focus to attraction rather than physical capture, implying appeal or interest.

habitually snares

Implies a habitual pattern of catching, suggesting a routine or tendency.

consistently ensnares

Highlights the dependable nature of trapping or catching, often with a negative implication of being trapped.

incessantly draws

Highlights the continuous drawing of attention, often with a sense of annoyance.

routinely hooks

Suggests a regular or predictable way of catching, often associated with fishing or trapping.

FAQs

How can I use "keeps catching" in a sentence?

You can use "keeps catching" to describe something that repeatedly attracts attention, like "The photograph "keeps catching my eye"" or something that repeatedly snags, like "My dress hem "keeps catching on the door"".

What are some alternatives to "keeps catching"?

Alternatives include phrases like "continually snags", "persistently grabs", or "constantly attracts", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "keeps catching" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "keeps catching" might be considered too informal for some academic or professional contexts. Consider using more precise and formal alternatives like "persistently draws" or "reliably intercepts".

What's the difference between "keeps catching my eye" and "captures my attention"?

"Keeps catching my eye" suggests a more passive and repetitive attraction, whereas "captures my attention" implies a more active and deliberate drawing of focus. The former might be a fleeting glimpse, while the latter is a sustained interest.