keeps piling on

USAGE SUMMARY

'keeps piling on' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that continues to accumulate or grow in an incremental manner. For example, "The workload keeps piling on, and it feels like I'm never going to catch up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

So far, nobody knows where exactly the GM corn will be cultivated, leading Greenpeace organizer Aleira Lara to observe, "watching the Mexican government trying to confront these issues is like watching a giant snowball--it keeps piling on one irregularity after another".

Huffington Post

Television keeps piling on more swirls, sprinkles and filigree.

The New York Times - Arts

"And it just seems like when you have days like that, it keeps piling on".

The New York Times - Sports

It's like an avalanche, and it keeps piling on and getting bigger and bigger".

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. King, who wrote the script, keeps piling on the details, feeding you a surprise behind every hidden door.

The New York Times

He keeps piling on elements, so that an initially consonant texture turns discordant and competing rhythmic patterns build to a blur.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"In their quest to grow," he said, "they kept piling on more loans in the same geographies".

The New York Times

Now, at the risk of sounding like the Grinch of holiday decorating, I need to add here: That is not an excuse to keep piling on without pruning.

Los Angeles Times

VanDerWerff thought that Sue's storyline was one of several in the episode beyond the two main ones Blaine and Cooper's conflict and Quinn's post-accident return that the show "kept piling" on, to its detriment.

Wikipedia

"As the 20-win seasons keep piling on, it just gets more comfortable and comfortable and comfortable". Says Jim Jr.: "They didn't expect him to do as well as he's done.

Los Angeles Times

As fresh media reports continue to raise doubts about the Kremlin's version of events, there's reason to think Putin's detractors will have ample opportunity to keep piling on, analysts said.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keeps piling on" to describe situations where burdens, responsibilities, or problems are continuously added, creating a sense of overwhelming accumulation. For variety, consider alternatives like "continues to accumulate" or "steadily accumulates" to avoid repetition.

Common error

While "keeps piling on" is acceptable, it may sound informal in academic or professional contexts. Opt for more formal alternatives like "steadily increases" or "accumulates relentlessly" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeps piling on" functions as a verbal phrase, specifically indicating a continuous or ongoing accumulation. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples show it describing increasing workloads, complications, and debt.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Wiki

9%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keeps piling on" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a continuous accumulation, often with a negative connotation of burden or overwhelm. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid and useful in written English. While versatile, it leans towards a neutral to slightly informal register. When writing formally, consider alternatives like "continues to accumulate". The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki contexts. Remember to use it when you wish to convey a sense of relentless addition and mounting pressure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continues to accumulate

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of accumulation, focusing on the gradual increase.

continues to build up

Highlights the gradual construction or increase of something over time.

accumulates relentlessly

Stresses the constant and unstoppable nature of the accumulation.

steadily accumulates

Focuses on the consistent and gradual nature of the accumulation process.

constantly increases

Highlights the continuous rise or growth of something.

never ceases to grow

Emphasizes the unstopping growth of something.

gradually accumulates

Focuses on the incremental steps of the accumulation.

persistently grows

Emphasizes the enduring nature of the growth.

mounts up continuously

Highlights the continuous building up or increase of something.

unremittingly increases

Stresses the constant and unyielding nature of the increase.

FAQs

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

You can use "keeps piling on" to describe a situation where something is continuously accumulating. For example, "The workload just keeps piling on, and I don't know how much longer I can manage."

What are some alternatives to "keeps piling on"?

You can use alternatives like "continues to accumulate", "steadily increases", or "builds up continuously" depending on the context.

Is "keeps piling on" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "keeps piling on" may sound informal. In formal writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "accumulates relentlessly" or "steadily accumulates".

What's the difference between "keeps piling on" and "accumulates"?

"Keeps piling on" implies a continuous and often overwhelming accumulation, while "accumulates" is a more neutral term for gathering or increasing over time. The former suggests a sense of burden or stress.