keeps ringing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keeps ringing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a phone or other device that continues to emit a ringing sound, typically indicating an incoming call or alert. Example: "My phone keeps ringing, and I can't seem to find it anywhere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Cognitive Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

1. Distraction – When task-irrelevant information captures your attention, thus keeping you from focusing on your task (i.e., your roommate's cell phone keeps ringing)   2.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

His phone keeps ringing.

The New York Times

His cell phone keeps ringing.

The New York Times

One counselor said, 'I'm exhausted.' And the phone keeps ringing".

The New York Times

In "A Room in India," the telephone keeps ringing.

The New Yorker

"If I'm online, the phone keeps ringing and ringing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

His phones kept ringing.

The New Yorker

The telephone kept ringing.

The New Yorker

Her phones kept ringing.

The New Yorker

His cellphones keep ringing.

The New York Times - Magazine

Maybe Andrew Morton kept ringing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keeps ringing" to emphasize the repetitive and often disruptive nature of a sound, particularly a phone or bell. It suggests a sense of urgency or annoyance.

Common error

While "keeps ringing" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. More sophisticated alternatives like "rings incessantly" or "the ringing persists" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeps ringing" functions as a verb phrase describing an ongoing action. Ludwig's examples show it primarily used to describe the persistent ringing of a phone, implying repeated interruptions or urgency. It is commonly used to describe something which happens again and again.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

7%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keeps ringing" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a repetitive sound, most often associated with telephones. As Ludwig's AI indicates, it is correct and usable in written English. Analysis reveals its frequent use in News & Media, with a neutral to informal register. While "keeps ringing" effectively conveys the idea of a persistent sound, writers should consider the context and opt for more formal alternatives in academic or highly professional settings. Related phrases include "continuously rings" and "won't stop ringing". In summary, "keeps ringing" is a versatile phrase, but mindful usage ensures appropriateness in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continuously rings

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the ringing.

keeps on ringing

Adds a sense of duration to the ringing.

is constantly ringing

Similar to continuously rings but with a slight emphasis on the ongoing state.

won't stop ringing

Highlights the incessant and possibly annoying nature of the ringing.

never stops ringing

Similar to won't stop ringing but even more emphatic.

is always ringing

Implies that the ringing occurs very frequently.

repeatedly rings

Emphasizes the repetitive nature of the ringing.

rings incessantly

A more formal way of saying keeps ringing, stressing the persistence.

persistently rings

Highlights the unwavering nature of the ringing.

the ringing persists

A more descriptive and slightly formal way of saying keeps ringing.

FAQs

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

You can use "keeps ringing" to describe a phone or other device that is repeatedly emitting a ringing sound, such as "My phone "keeps ringing", I wonder who's calling?"

What are some alternatives to "keeps ringing"?

Alternatives include "continuously rings", "won't stop ringing", or "rings incessantly" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "keeps ringing"?

Yes, "keeps ringing" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English to describe a recurring sound, especially from a phone or bell.

What's the difference between "keeps ringing" and "is ringing"?

"Is ringing" describes a phone that is currently emitting a ringing sound. "Keeps ringing" implies that the phone has been ringing repeatedly and consistently over a period of time.