keeps getting longer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keeps getting longer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is continuously increasing in length or duration over time. Example: "The list of tasks I need to complete keeps getting longer, making it hard to stay organized."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

The list keeps getting longer.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is clear that the government's rulebook keeps getting longer.

The New York Times

"The schedule keeps getting longer," Mr. Vranich said.

The New York Times

The list of targets for state-sponsored intimidation in Zimbabwe just keeps getting longer.

The New York Times

But the line for help at the Treasury keeps getting longer.

The New York Times

The waiting list for kidney transplants keeps getting longer, and more and more people die waiting.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

"These passwords just keep getting longer and longer.

The New York Times

"I would have hung in there, except the days kept getting longer and longer," she explains.

The New York Times - Magazine

So it goes at Mets camp, where the medical rolls keep getting longer.

The New York Times - Sports

"We had a vacation condo in North Miami Beach, and our stays kept getting longer and longer.

The New York Times

The value of local government contracts keeps increasing and contract periods keep getting longer.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keeps getting longer" to describe a gradual increase in size or duration over time, often implying a sense of inevitability or ongoing process. For example, "The waiting list keeps getting longer, so apply early."

Common error

While appropriate for many contexts, "keeps getting longer" can sound informal in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise or sophisticated phrasing like "progressively increases" or "demonstrates a consistent expansion" in formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeps getting longer" functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating a continuous increase in length or duration. It typically modifies a noun or a noun phrase, as demonstrated by the examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Huffington Post

10%

TechCrunch

8%

Less common in

The Guardian - Lifestyle

2%

The New Yorker

2%

Forbes

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keeps getting longer" is a descriptive expression indicating a continuous increase in length or duration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, suggesting its utility in describing ongoing trends and developments. While generally neutral in register, it may be considered too informal for highly technical or academic writing, where more precise phrasing might be preferred. Alternatives include "continues to lengthen", "is continuously extending", and "progressively increases in length".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continues to lengthen

Replaces "keeps getting" with "continues to", focusing on continuous action. "Lengthen" is used instead of "longer".

is continuously extending

Uses "is continuously extending" to emphasize ongoing expansion.

progressively increases in length

Emphasizes gradual increase in length using more formal language.

is perpetually growing

Highlights constant growth, implying that it is never-ending.

extends further and further

Uses repetition to stress the increasing length.

lengthens incrementally

Focuses on the step-by-step increase in length.

expands without cease

Uses more dramatic wording to illustrate unending expansion.

grows evermore lengthy

Employs slightly archaic language to express increasing length.

prolongs itself constantly

Expresses the idea of increasing length by specifying something prolonged

stretches out indefinitely

Implies there is no end point and highlights the ever lasting length

FAQs

What does "keeps getting longer" mean?

The phrase "keeps getting longer" means that something is continuously increasing in length or duration over time. It suggests a process that is ongoing and possibly unending.

How can I use "keeps getting longer" in a sentence?

You can use "keeps getting longer" to describe various situations. For example, "The days "kept getting longer" as summer approached" or "The list of complaints keeps getting longer, requiring immediate attention."

What are some alternatives to "keeps getting longer"?

Some alternatives to "keeps getting longer" include "continues to lengthen", "is continuously extending", or "progressively increases in length".

Is "keeps getting longer" grammatically correct?

Yes, "keeps getting longer" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It follows standard grammatical rules for verb conjugation and adjective usage, according to Ludwig.