keeps dragging

USAGE SUMMARY

"keeps dragging" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that is prolonged or continues to take longer than expected. Example: "The meeting keeps dragging on, and I just want it to end." Alternative expressions include "keeps延长" and "continues to drag."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"That keeps dragging in more people".

The New York Times

"I don't know why she keeps dragging that old dog out," he said.

The New York Times

Through abuse, Sarah has sewn on Jeremiah's shadow, and it keeps dragging him back to her high-risk domain.

The New York Times - Books

"We're going to be entering a counterproductive phase in this primary if it keeps dragging on," Mr. Ryan said in a telephone interview.

The New York Times

Wrestling with the scarf from her shalwar kameez, which keeps dragging on the ground, Shopsin is far too practical to suffer for the sake of authenticity.

The New York Times - Books

However, the new export facilities will come on stream slowly, especially if the government keeps dragging its feet over granting export licences.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

"Why do they keep dragging me through the mud?

The New York Times

"But it just kept dragging on and on".

The New York Times

Still, they kept dragging me out by my tail.

The New York Times - Books

It kept dragging me round to the side.

The Guardian

the photographer James Nachtwey has the impertinence to keep dragging us back.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keeps dragging", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being prolonged or negatively affected. For example, "The negotiation keeps dragging on, delaying the project's launch."

Common error

Avoid using "keeps dragging" without a clear subject. Ensure it's evident what or who is performing the dragging action. Example: Instead of "It keeps dragging", specify "The debt keeps dragging down the company's profits".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeps dragging" functions as a verb phrase, typically used within a larger sentence to describe an ongoing action that prolongs something or has a negative, repetitive effect. Ludwig AI provides examples where it describes situations, actions, or even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

20%

Sport

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keeps dragging" is a commonly used verb phrase that describes something continuously prolonging or having a negative impact. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it's grammatically correct and frequently found in news, books, and sports reporting. The phrase conveys a sense of continuous action and is generally considered neutral in register. To use it effectively, ensure the subject is clear and the context indicates what is being prolonged or negatively affected. Avoid using it without a clear subject to maintain clarity. Consider alternatives such as "persistently prolonging" or "continuously delaying" for nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persistently prolonging

Emphasizes the continuous and extended nature of the action, highlighting duration.

continuously delaying

Focuses on the ongoing postponement or deferment of something.

relentlessly pulling

Highlights the unyielding and forceful nature of the dragging action.

incessantly drawing back

Implies a repetitive action of retracting or pulling something backwards.

consistently holding back

Suggests a pattern of restraining or preventing progress.

repeatedly hindering

Focuses on the recurring obstruction or impediment caused by the action.

constantly impeding

Highlights the continuous obstruction and interference.

habitually deferring

Indicates a customary or routine postponement.

unremittingly slowing down

Emphasizes the unrelenting nature of the deceleration.

perpetually weighing down

Suggests a constant and continuous burden or negative influence.

FAQs

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

Use "keeps dragging" to describe something that prolongs a situation or has a continuing negative effect, as in "The trial "keeps dragging on", causing anxiety for everyone involved".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "keeps dragging"?

You can use phrases like "persistently prolonging", "continuously delaying", or "relentlessly pulling" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "keeps dragging" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the continuous or repetitive nature of something that is slowing down progress or having a detrimental effect. For example, "The issue "keeps dragging down" morale".

What is the difference between "keeps dragging" and "kept dragging"?

"Keeps dragging" indicates an ongoing action or situation that continues to prolong or negatively affect something in the present, whereas "kept dragging" refers to a past, repeated action. For example, "The discussion "keeps dragging" us back to the same point" (ongoing), versus "The currents "kept dragging" Sustento underwater" (past).