keeps poking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keeps poking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who persistently or repeatedly prods or annoys someone else, either physically or metaphorically. Example: "She keeps poking at the issue, trying to get a reaction from him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"The waterway is a part of the city that's uncontrollable," she says, "a constant reminder that we're still in nature, which keeps poking back at the city, eroding it, changing it, keeping it in check".

Vice

The outside world keeps poking in.

The Guardian - Music

"We've got to find this voodoo doll and whoever keeps poking at it and ripping at it," Granderson said after the game.

The New York Times - Sports

She becomes involved with a scary little girl whose eye keeps poking out from beneath a mane of matted black hair, never a good sign.

The Guardian - Film

Miller had placed snipers at nearby vantage points, and one of them, just a few feet away from him, leaned over and said, "Sir, I've got a guy who keeps poking his head up".

The New York Times - Magazine

Like an endearing cross between Madame Bovary and Lucy Ricardo, Becky Bloomwood tries heroically to bail out her ship of debt (even as her stiletto habit keeps poking new leaks left and right).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

She — or at least the tip of her nose — kept poking into it.

The New York Times

China's doddering veterans of the Long March kept poking their noses into everything.

The Economist

But if they keep poking me, I'll keep biting back".

The Guardian

A small child kept poking his head out of a room.

The New York Times

The Democrats know the Republicans are afraid to confront and disavow Limbaugh, so they keep poking him, and he keeps snapping like a rabid dog.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keeps poking" to describe a recurring action that is often irritating or intrusive. For example, "The media keeps poking into the private lives of celebrities".

Common error

Be mindful of the potentially negative connotation of "poking". Ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning of persistent, and possibly unwelcome, intrusion. Consider alternatives if a more neutral term is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeps poking" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as the predicate of a clause. It describes an ongoing or repetitive action, indicating a continuous or habitual behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keeps poking" functions as a verb phrase indicating a repeated or persistent action, often with connotations of intrusion or annoyance. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable. While grammatically sound, its register leans toward neutral to informal, making it suitable for news and general conversation, but less so for formal or academic writing. When choosing this phrase, consider its potential negative connotations and whether a more neutral alternative might be appropriate. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

repeatedly prods

Substitutes "keeps" with "repeatedly" and "poking" with "prods" emphasizing the repetitive nature of the action.

persistently nudges

Replaces "poking" with a gentler term, "nudges", while maintaining the sense of persistence.

continually jabs

Uses "continually" for "keeps" and "jabs" for "poking", suggesting a sharper, more aggressive action.

constantly interferes

Shifts the focus from physical prodding to a more abstract interference, maintaining the sense of unwanted intrusion.

unremittingly bothers

Emphasizes the annoying and relentless aspect of the action, replacing "poking" with "bothers".

incessantly pesters

Highlights the nagging and persistent nature of the action, similar to "unremittingly bothers".

perpetually annoys

Highlights the persistent and irritating nature of the action, focusing on the effect it has on the recipient.

habitually intrudes

Focuses on the habitual nature of the intrusion, moving away from the physical act of poking.

chronically interrupts

Emphasizes the disruptive nature of the action, suggesting a pattern of interruption.

always meddling

Replaces the specific action of "poking" with a more general term, "meddling", focusing on unwanted interference.

FAQs

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

You can use "keeps poking" to describe someone or something that repeatedly intrudes or interferes in a situation. For example, "The government keeps poking its nose into our personal affairs".

What does "keeps poking" imply?

The phrase "keeps poking" often implies a persistent, sometimes unwelcome, intrusion or interference. It suggests that the action is repeated and potentially irritating.

What can I say instead of "keeps poking"?

You can use alternatives like "persistently nudges", "repeatedly prods", or "constantly interferes" depending on the context.

Is "keeps poking" formal or informal?

"Keeps poking" is generally considered informal. In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "persistently investigates" or "repeatedly addresses".