keeps on defying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keeps on defying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that continues to resist or challenge expectations or norms over time. Example: "Despite the odds, she keeps on defying the limitations set by society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But ISIS keeps on defying ordinary questions.

The New Yorker

"Despite the title, he is a hero who just keeps on defying gravity".

The Guardian - Film

"Despite the title, he is a hero who just keeps on defying gravity". Bond's next outing will be based on a two-part original story by John Logan, the screenwriter of Martin Scorsese's film Hugo.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Conventional economic wisdom would suggest that the bigger you get, the harder it is to maintain big growth numbers, yet AWS has defied that wisdom and just keeps on growing, quarter after quarter after quarter.

TechCrunch

Philomena is a small film that is defying box-office conventions; the audience keeps on growing while other, bigger titles fade.

The Guardian

Iran keeps defying the West.

The New York Times

The contest keeps defying precedents.

The New York Times

So far, the contest keeps defying precedents.

The New York Times

But as long as Rivera keeps defying logic, he has a shot.

The New York Times - Sports

All such confusion will soon melt away if Oosthuizen, a young South African, keeps defying the odds and his much more famous competitors by playing golf as he has on the first two days of the Open.

The New York Times - Sports

Judges have called for a hearing on Tuesday to discuss how to proceed if Mr. Karadzic, the former Bosnian Serb leader, who is defending himself, keeps defying the tribunal and saying he is not ready for his trial.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keeps on defying" to emphasize the ongoing and continuous nature of the act of defying. This phrasing is particularly effective when describing a persistent challenge or resistance.

Common error

While "keeps on defying" is grammatically correct, it can sound informal in certain contexts. In formal or academic writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "persistently challenges" or "continues to resist" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeps on defying" functions as a verbal phrase expressing a continuous action. It emphasizes the ongoing nature of the defiance, implying that the subject is not just defying once, but repeatedly and persistently. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keeps on defying" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a continuous act of resistance or challenge. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, though it leans towards a neutral to slightly informal register. While it is frequently found in news and media, it's crucial to consider more formal alternatives like "continues to defy" or "persistently resists" in academic or professional settings to maintain an appropriate tone. Therefore, while "keeps on defying" is perfectly acceptable, being mindful of the context is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remains defiant

Shifts the focus to a state of being defiant, rather than an ongoing action.

continues to defy

Replaces the continuous aspect of "keeps on" with a simple present tense, indicating a habitual action.

defies expectations consistently

Highlights the ongoing frustration of expectations.

persistently resists

Emphasizes the act of resistance and persistence.

continually challenges

Focuses on the act of challenging rather than defying, suggesting a more proactive stance.

repeatedly opposes

Highlights the repetitive nature of the opposition.

constantly goes against

Uses a more informal phrasing to convey the idea of opposing.

stubbornly flouts

Implies a deliberate and obstinate disregard for rules or norms.

unyieldingly rebels

Conveys a stronger sense of rebellion and inflexibility.

inflexibly objects

Emphasizes the firm and unwavering nature of the objection.

FAQs

What does "keeps on defying" mean?

The phrase "keeps on defying" means to continue resisting or challenging something, especially when it's unexpected or difficult. It implies a persistent and ongoing act of defiance.

What can I say instead of "keeps on defying"?

You can use alternatives like "continues to defy", "persistently resists", or "repeatedly opposes" depending on the specific context.

Is "keeps on defying" grammatically correct?

Yes, "keeps on defying" is grammatically correct. It's a common way to express continuous defiance or resistance.

How can I use "keeps on defying" in a sentence?

You can use "keeps on defying" to describe someone or something that repeatedly challenges expectations or norms. For example, "Despite numerous setbacks, the company keeps on defying industry trends."