keeps delaying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keeps delaying" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone is delaying something (usually the completion of an action or task) or that something is happening repeatedly and is causing delays. For example: The construction project keeps delaying dramatically and won't be finished on time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

And the fact that Washington keeps delaying a serious deficit plan until another day may seem equally ridiculous.

The New York Times

When the time comes to announce her treat, she keeps delaying, something gets between her & the nice gesture.

The New Yorker

The bondholders also complain that the company keeps delaying the target date for issuing audited financial statements.

The New York Times

He said people were disappointed by the "lack of timelines," similar to the way Research In Motion keeps delaying its new BlackBerry software.

The New York Times

For three years the Transportation Department has been considering new rules to regulate the four systems, but it keeps delaying action.

The New York Times - Travel

And now the political instability keeps delaying a proposed $4.8 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund, whose seal of approval is essential to obtaining the further billions in loans needed to close the country's deficit.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The outcome of the re-evaluation of the EU GMO legislation was expected by the end of 2015, but the process keeps delayed and currently no decision has been made.

Environmental Sciences Europe

"They keep delaying and delaying on a contract.

The New York Times

The Mayor agreed, but he kept delaying his departure.

The New Yorker

"There is no reason why we keep delaying and delaying and delaying".

The New York Times

Nets coaches and officials were confounded when the doctors kept delaying his return.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keeps delaying" when you want to emphasize the repetitive and ongoing nature of the delay. It suggests a pattern rather than a one-time occurrence.

Common error

Avoid using "kept delaying" when you intend to convey that the delaying action is still ongoing. "Keeps delaying" implies a present, continuous pattern; use "kept delaying" only for past actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeps delaying" functions as a verb phrase indicating a continuous or repetitive action of postponing something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, highlighting its role in describing ongoing patterns of delay.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keeps delaying" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe a continuous or repetitive action of delaying. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate to use when emphasizing the ongoing nature of a delay. While it appears most frequently in news and media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When using "keeps delaying", ensure you're emphasizing a present, continuous pattern of delay rather than a one-time occurrence. Consider alternatives like "continually postpones" or "is always delaying" for similar meanings, and remember to adjust the tense accordingly when referring to past actions. The phrase's function is to highlight recurring delays. Overall, "keeps delaying" is a versatile phrase to use when conveying a sense of ongoing postponement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is always delaying

Simple variation using "is always" to emphasize frequency.

continually postpones

Emphasizes the repeated act of postponing.

persistently defers

Highlights the ongoing nature of deferment.

repeatedly puts off

Focuses on the recurring action of putting something off.

constantly procrastinates

Indicates a habitual tendency to procrastinate.

never gets around to

Implies a lack of completion due to continual delay.

stalls indefinitely

Highlights indefinite postponement.

draws out endlessly

Focuses on prolonging something for a very long time.

prolongs incessantly

Emphasizes the continuous nature of prolonging something.

shelves continuously

Highlights the act of placing something on a shelf, metaphorically delaying it.

FAQs

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

You can use "keeps delaying" to describe a recurring action of delaying something. For example, "The company "keeps delaying" the product launch, much to the disappointment of investors."

What are some alternatives to "keeps delaying"?

You can use alternatives like "continually postpones", "repeatedly puts off", or "is always delaying" to express a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "kept delaying" instead of "keeps delaying"?

"Kept delaying" is used for past actions, while "keeps delaying" is used for present, ongoing actions. So, the correct choice depends on the tense you want to convey. If you want to express a past continuous action, then "kept delaying" is correct.

What's the difference between "keeps delaying" and "is delaying"?

"Is delaying" indicates a current action of delaying, while "keeps delaying" implies a recurring habit or pattern of delaying. For example, "He is delaying the decision" means he's delaying it now, but "He "keeps delaying" the decision" means he does it repeatedly.