keeps stalling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keeps stalling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is repeatedly delayed or not progressing as expected. Example: "The project keeps stalling due to lack of resources and unclear communication among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

But they are miserable and their conversation keeps stalling amid the clink of glass and cutlery.

The Guardian - Film

Such tough talk may or may not be followed by real action if China keeps stalling, as seems likely.

The New York Times

The tour keeps stalling on presenting the sort of comprehensive renovation plan it has been promising for Avenel.

The Washington Post

This week's ruling, however, adds to the sense that, when it comes to Mr Chirac, the French justice system keeps stalling.

The Economist

Roh's mission now, many people here say, will be to show that Seoul is willing to stick by the United States if North Korea keeps stalling.

The Washington Post

I was depressed and anxious about the fact that my life keeps stalling, this time as a result of a late rent check.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

They kept stalling.

The Guardian - Arts

In many companies, critical strategic initiatives keep stalling.

Harvard Business Review

As they talked, the conversation kept stalling, with everyone quiet for minutes at a time.

The New Yorker

And authority itself kept stalling in its own huge bad conscience.

The New Yorker

The Buffalo Sabres kept stalling and stalling, expecting Dominik Hasek to steal a game.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "keeps stalling" with a more specific verb or phrase that captures the precise nature of the delay or obstruction, such as "repeatedly delays" or "continually hinders progress" for added clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "keeps stalling" without clearly identifying what is stalling. This can lead to confusion and weaken the impact of your message. Instead, provide specific details about the subject and cause of the repeated delays.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeps stalling" functions as a verb phrase indicating a continuous or repetitive action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a situation where something is repeatedly delayed or prevented from progressing. This usage is supported by examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keeps stalling" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to describe something repeatedly delayed or hindered. While considered neutral in register, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is stalling and consider more precise alternatives for formal writing. Avoiding overuse and providing adequate context will enhance the impact and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

repeatedly delays

Emphasizes the act of delaying happening multiple times.

consistently postpones

Highlights the consistent nature of the postponement.

continually hinders progress

Focuses on the obstruction of progress as a continuous action.

frequently interrupts momentum

Highlights the interruption of forward movement as a recurring issue.

regularly impedes advancement

Similar to hindering, but with a focus on preventing advancement regularly.

is always being held up

Uses passive voice to indicate that something is constantly experiencing delays.

experiences persistent setbacks

Focuses on the repeated nature of setbacks.

suffers from recurring disruptions

Highlights the negative impact of recurring disruptions.

is perpetually stuck

Emphasizes the continuous state of being unable to move forward.

chronically stagnates

Implies a long-term and persistent lack of progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "keeps stalling" to describe something that is repeatedly delayed or prevented from progressing. For instance, "The project "keeps stalling" due to funding issues."

What are some alternatives to saying "keeps stalling"?

Alternatives include "repeatedly delays", "continually hinders progress", or "experiences persistent setbacks", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "keeps stalling"?

Yes, "keeps stalling" is grammatically correct. The verb "keep" in this form indicates a repeated or continuous action, making it suitable for describing recurrent delays or obstructions.

What's the difference between "keeps stalling" and "kept stalling"?

"Keeps stalling" implies that something is currently and repeatedly being delayed. "Kept stalling", on the other hand, indicates that something was repeatedly delayed in the past. For example: "The car "keeps stalling"" (present) vs. "The car "kept stalling" yesterday" (past).