keeps getting older

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keeps getting older" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the continuous process of aging or the passage of time affecting someone or something. Example: "Every year, it seems like my dog keeps getting older, and I can see the changes in his energy levels."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The writer continues to keep an eye out for burning barns, and keeps getting older.

The New Yorker

He keeps getting older and the remaining races that fit him on the 2009 calendar figure to be tougher.

The New York Times - Sports

The last, especially, is a useful quality in sportswriting, where the reporter keeps getting older while the athletes stay forever young.

The New Yorker

In "Hailie's Song," a song for his six-year-old daughter, he says, "I feel like singing," and that's what he does, crooning (and sometimes screaming) a stirring ballad about fatherly love: "My baby girl keeps getting older, I watch her grow up with pride".

The New Yorker

Eminem keeps getting older.

Huffington Post

Yeah, he keeps getting older too.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

We'll just keep getting older.

The New York Times

Gone are the days when we all kept getting older; the bar for youth is now raised with every birthday.

The New York Times - Magazine

I don't think I've played a grandfather yet but I do know my children in movies keep getting older.

The Guardian - Film

"We don't have to change Mulder, but he's going to keep getting older, if I get to play him.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Peanuts had a Picture of Dorian Gray quality; you kept getting older and more decrepit and more cynical, but it didn't.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keeps getting older" to describe a continuous, often gradual, process of aging, whether referring to a person, object, or concept. It emphasizes the ongoing nature of this progression.

Common error

While acceptable, avoid overuse of "keeps getting older" in highly formal or scientific writing. More precise or technical language may be appropriate depending on context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeps getting older" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, typically acting as a predicate in a sentence. Ludwig AI shows it describes a continuous action or state, emphasizing the ongoing process of aging or the passage of time. It conveys the idea that something or someone is in a state of progressing towards old age.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keeps getting older" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the ongoing process of aging. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely seen in news and media sources, which suggests a neutral formality level. It's suitable for describing people, objects, or concepts, emphasizing the gradual, continuous progression of time and aging. While "keeps getting older" is versatile, it's important to consider the context and choose more precise language in formal settings, ensuring effective and appropriate communication. Consider using alternatives like "continues to age", "is steadily maturing" or "advances in years" for more formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continues to age

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the aging process.

is continuously aging

Highlights the uninterrupted progression of aging.

ages consistently

Focuses on the regular and predictable aspect of aging.

is perpetually aging

Stresses the unending aspect of getting older.

grows old steadily

Highlights the gradual and consistent nature of growing older.

is steadily maturing

Conveys the idea of aging as a process of maturation.

time marches on

An idiomatic expression indicating the relentless passage of time.

years pass relentlessly

Emphasizes the unstoppable forward march of time.

advances in years

A more formal way of expressing the process of aging.

life progresses forward

A broader phrase indicating the continuation of life.

FAQs

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

You can use "keeps getting older" to describe the process of aging over time, as in "My grandfather "keeps getting older", but his spirit remains young."

What are some alternatives to "keeps getting older"?

Alternatives include "continues to age", "is steadily maturing", or "advances in years", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "kept getting older" instead of "keeps getting older"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "kept getting older" implies a past, continuous action, while "keeps getting older" indicates an ongoing or habitual action. Choose the tense that best fits the timeframe you are describing.

What's the difference between "keeps getting older" and "is aging"?

"Keeps getting older" emphasizes the continuous and gradual nature of the aging process, while "is aging" is a more general statement about the fact that someone or something is growing older. The former suggests a more noticeable or drawn-out process.