keeps piling up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keeps piling up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is accumulating or increasing over time, often in a negative context such as stress, work, or responsibilities. Example: "The paperwork from last week keeps piling up, and I need to find time to address it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

The evidence keeps piling up.

The Washington Post

Meanwhile, he keeps piling up base hits.

The New York Times - Sports

Anecdotal evidence keeps piling up on both sides.

Independent

Evidence of the price gap keeps piling up.

The New York Times

"Water keeps building up inside the plant, and debris keeps piling up outside of it.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, the statistical evidence against prodigies doing prodigious things in men's tennis keeps piling up.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Meanwhile, the legal fees keep piling up.

The New York Times

The bodies just keep piling up.

The New Yorker

Terms for larger sizes keep piling up.

The New Yorker

The losses keep piling up.

The New York Times

These days, the issues keep piling up.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keeps piling up" to describe situations where something is not only increasing but also creating a sense of being overwhelmed or burdened.

Common error

While "keeps piling up" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "continues to accumulate" or "steadily increases" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeps piling up" functions as a phrasal verb, expressing the ongoing accumulation or increase of something. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, as evidenced by its presence in numerous sources. It describes the continuation of an action that results in a growing quantity or intensity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keeps piling up" is a phrasal verb used to describe the continuous accumulation of something, often with a negative implication of being overwhelmed. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in News & Media. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral and informal contexts, avoiding overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Alternatives such as "continues to accumulate" or "is steadily increasing" can provide a more sophisticated tone when necessary. The examples provided by Ludwig show its wide application across different subjects, reinforcing its common usage in describing growing problems or burdens.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is building up

Similar to "mounting up", but with a slightly more gradual implication.

is mounting up

Similar in meaning, but may imply a sense of pressure or being overwhelmed.

is stacking up

Suggests a more physical or visual accumulation, like objects in a pile.

continues to accumulate

Formal alternative that emphasizes the ongoing process of accumulation.

is steadily increasing

Focuses on the gradual growth in quantity or intensity.

is progressively growing

Implies a consistent and forward-moving increase.

is accumulating rapidly

Highlights the speed at which accumulation is happening.

is escalating constantly

Emphasizes a continuous and often concerning increase in intensity or severity.

is gathering momentum

Focuses on the increase in force or impact over time.

is mushrooming

Suggests a fast and uncontrolled growth or accumulation.

FAQs

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

You can use "keeps piling up" to describe something that is accumulating or increasing over time, often in a way that is overwhelming or problematic. For example, "The work just "keeps piling up", and I don't know how I'll ever get it all done."

What are some alternatives to "keeps piling up"?

Alternatives include "continues to accumulate", "is steadily increasing", or "is mounting up". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "keeps piling up" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "keeps piling up" may be considered too informal for certain types of formal writing. Consider using more sophisticated alternatives such as "continues to accumulate" or "progressively increases" in those contexts.

What's the difference between "keeps piling up" and "is accumulating"?

"Keeps piling up" often implies a sense of being overwhelmed by the accumulation, whereas "is accumulating" is a more neutral and objective description of something increasing over time. The former is also more informal than the latter.