keeps occurring

USAGE SUMMARY

"keeps occurring" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use this phrase to describe something that happens regularly over a period of time, particularly when the situation is out of the speaker's control. For example, "He has been having the same nightmare for weeks - it keeps occurring every time he falls asleep."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

But the downsizing keeps occurring.

The New York Times

I have also had surgery to clean out an infection of pseudomonas that keeps occurring.

The Guardian - Travel

But this more widespread social anxiety keeps occurring, and what's causing it?

The Guardian

The age at which chronic problems like heart disease and arthritis set in keeps occurring later, and those ailments are less debilitating.

The New York Times

A disturbing one that keeps occurring is "vote flipping," in which machines record a vote for one candidate as a vote for his or her opponent.

The New York Times

The question that keeps occurring to Matters -- whose author remembers the days when women had to (or chose to) challenge their assigned roles -- is whether a man with the same political and financial ambitions as Hillary Rodham Clinton would have to accept the same rules.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Evictions and exclusions keep occurring.

The Guardian - Books

"And still," Mr. Merin said, "these big transactions keep occurring".

The New York Times

And the one word that kept occurring to me in playing Dead Space was discipline.

The New York Times - Arts

Sadly admissions and apologies will matter little if such tragic cases keep occurring".

The Guardian

After Deadline has discussed this issue before, but the lapses keep occurring.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keeps occurring" to emphasize the repetitive and often undesirable nature of an event. It is particularly effective when highlighting a pattern or trend that you want to draw attention to.

Common error

While "keeps occurring" is grammatically correct, overuse in formal writing can make the text sound less sophisticated. Consider using synonyms like "recurs frequently" or "persists" to maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeps occurring" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the repeated happening of an event or situation. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it's used to highlight the repetitive nature of events, whether they are problems, anxieties, or even positive trends.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keeps occurring" is a versatile phrase used to describe events that happen repeatedly. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While acceptable in most situations, being mindful of its overuse, especially in formal writing, is essential. Consider alternatives like "continues to happen" or "recurs frequently" to maintain a sophisticated tone. The phrase's primary function is to emphasize the repetitive nature of an event, and it can be applied to both positive and negative situations. Remembering these nuances will help you use "keeps occurring" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continues to happen

Replaces "keeps" with "continues", emphasizing the ongoing nature of the event.

is always happening

A more straightforward way of saying something is continuously occurring.

happens repeatedly

Replaces "keeps occurring" with a more direct and simpler expression of repetition.

is constantly recurring

Adds emphasis on the constant nature of the recurrence.

recurs frequently

Substitutes "keeps occurring" with a more formal expression indicating frequent repetition.

persists in happening

Emphasizes the stubborn or unwavering nature of the event's recurrence.

is a recurring event

Transforms the phrase into a noun phrase, highlighting the event's recurring nature.

regularly takes place

Replaces "keeps occurring" with a phrase suggesting a scheduled or predictable recurrence.

is a persistent issue

Highlights the problematic nature of the recurring event.

remains a constant

Focuses on the continuous and unchanging presence of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "keeps occurring" to describe events or situations that happen repeatedly. For example, "The error "keeps occurring" despite our efforts to fix it."

What are some alternatives to "keeps occurring"?

Alternatives include "continues to happen", "recurs frequently", or "happens repeatedly". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is it better to say "keeps occurring" or "continues to occur"?

Both "keeps occurring" and "continues to occur" are correct, but "continues to occur" might sound more formal. The choice depends on the tone you want to convey. They are often interchangeable, but consider the nuance you want to impart in your writing.

Can "keeps occurring" be used for both positive and negative situations?

Yes, "keeps occurring" can be used in both positive and negative contexts. For instance, "Opportunities "keeps occurring" for her" or "The problem "keeps occurring", which is frustrating."