keeps leaving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keeps leaving" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who repeatedly departs or exits a place or situation. Example: "She keeps leaving the meeting early, which is becoming a concern for the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"He just keeps leaving us out there," said Jay-Z.

The New York Times - Arts

Her alcoholic son does not lose his medical license or divorce, although his wife keeps leaving him.

The New York Times - Books

"She blames everything on me and keeps leaving these incomprehensible messages on my answering machine," Kraft said.

The New Yorker

"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," now chugging along in its 15th season, keeps leaving its spinoffs in the dust.

The New York Times - Arts

Mark's roots, after all, are in Scarsdale; his mom keeps leaving Jewish-motherish messages on the answering machine.

The New York Times

You never know, you might end up being best mates with that person who keeps leaving their pubes in the shower.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

His dancers keep leaving.

The New York Times - Arts

Keep leaving the dimes.

The New York Times

Little Fatty kept leaving it short.

The New Yorker

Why does she keep leaving her boyfriends?

The Guardian - Books

But people keep leaving the house.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keeps leaving" to describe a recurring action of departure, whether it's physical or metaphorical. Ensure the context clearly indicates the subject's repetitive exiting of a place, situation, or relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "keeps leaving" when a single instance of leaving is intended. This phrase suggests a pattern of behavior, not a one-time event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeps leaving" functions as a verb phrase indicating a recurring or habitual action. It combines the auxiliary verb 'keeps' (present tense, third-person singular of 'keep') with the present participle 'leaving', denoting a continuous action. As Ludwig shows, this construction portrays an ongoing pattern of departure.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keeps leaving" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe a recurring action of departure. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples, reveals that it's primarily employed in news and media contexts, with neutral register. To avoid misuse, remember that "keeps leaving" describes a pattern, not a singular event. You can use alternatives as "repeatedly departs" to give a new shade of meaning to it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is always going away

A more conversational and general way of expressing continuous departure.

frequently departs

Indicates that departures happen often and on a recurring basis.

repeatedly departs

Focuses on the act of departure being done multiple times.

constantly disappears

Focuses on the act of vanishing or becoming unseen regularly.

continually exits

Highlights the continuous nature of exiting a place or situation.

is forever taking off

An informal way to describe someone who is always leaving or starting a journey.

habitually abandons

Emphasizes that it's a habit to abandon something or someone.

persistently withdraws

Implies a more formal or deliberate act of removing oneself.

regularly absconds

Suggests escaping or running away, often from responsibility.

incessantly retreats

Highlights the never-ending character of the retreat.

FAQs

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

You can use "keeps leaving" to describe a recurring action of someone departing from a place or situation. For example: "She "keeps leaving" the meeting early", or "He "keeps leaving" his responsibilities behind".

What are some alternatives to "keeps leaving"?

Alternatives include phrases like "repeatedly departs", "is always going away", or "habitually abandons", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. You can also consider "frequently departs" or "continually exits".

When is it inappropriate to use "keeps leaving"?

It's inappropriate when describing a single, isolated instance of someone leaving. "Keeps leaving" implies a repeated or habitual action, not a one-time event. In those cases you can use phrases like "left" or "departed".

What is the difference between "keeps leaving" and "is always leaving"?

"Keeps leaving" and "is always leaving" are very similar, both describing a recurring action of departure. "Is always leaving" might imply a slightly more constant or predictable behavior, while ""keeps leaving"" suggests a repeated action that may not be as constant.