keeps stopping

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keeps stopping" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is repeatedly halting or ceasing to function properly. Example: "The car keeps stopping unexpectedly, which is very concerning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

It keeps stopping, starting, and scrolling back.

The New Yorker

It keeps stopping you, here, then here, then here.

The New York Times - Arts

He has since had trouble sleeping and keeps stopping during training runs.

The New York Times - Sports

"I remember them calling me and saying, 'Mom, Papa keeps stopping at green lights,' " Stabler Moyes said.

The New York Times - Sports

A quad bike engine that keeps stopping, then moving on, as a farmer feeds and checks his stock.

The Guardian

Unfortunately, it can be a frustrating experience as many users find their playback keeps stopping and starting.These delays, known as "buffering", happen when data are loading.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Anyway, I keep stopping.

The New York Times

They kept stopping and starting.

The New Yorker

The Q train kept stopping.

The New Yorker

They want to keep stopping".

The New York Times - Travel

I have to keep stopping and reacting".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keeps stopping" to describe actions or processes that repeatedly halt, rather than single, isolated incidents. For instance, use it to describe a malfunctioning machine or a recurring behavior.

Common error

While "keeps stopping" is widely understood, it may sound too informal for academic papers or business reports. Consider alternatives such as "repeatedly halts" or "intermittently ceases" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeps stopping" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a continuous or habitual action. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in describing recurring interruptions or cessation of activity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Arts

13%

Sports

12%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keeps stopping" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that describes a recurring action of something repeatedly ceasing or halting. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is applicable in various contexts, primarily in News & Media, Arts, and Sports. While generally neutral in register, it's best to use more formal alternatives like "repeatedly halts" in academic or business settings. Common errors include overuse in highly formal writing. Use "keeps stopping" when you want to emphasize that an action or process is not just stopping once, but repeatedly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

repeatedly halts

Emphasizes the repetitive nature of the stopping action.

intermittently ceases

Highlights the irregular and temporary nature of the stopping.

frequently pauses

Focuses on short, temporary stops that occur often.

constantly interrupts itself

Highlights self-interruption as the reason for the stopping.

periodically discontinues

Implies a regular, timed pattern to the stopping.

chronically cuts out

Suggests a persistent problem causing the stopping.

regularly breaks down

Indicates a mechanical failure leading to the repeated stopping.

habitually stalls

Implies a habitual or characteristic stopping action, often in the context of vehicles.

continually falters

Highlights the unsteadiness or instability that leads to the stopping.

routinely suspends

Indicates a suspension of activity as part of a normal procedure, but not necessarily a problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "keeps stopping" to describe something that repeatedly halts or ceases its function. For example, "The car "keeps stopping" at every red light, which is quite frustrating."

What are some alternatives to "keeps stopping"?

Alternatives include phrases like "repeatedly halts", "intermittently ceases", or "frequently pauses" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "keeps stopping"?

Yes, "keeps stopping" is grammatically correct. The verb "keeps" is used with the gerund form of the verb "stopping" to indicate a repeated action.

What is the difference between "keeps stopping" and "stopped repeatedly"?

"Keeps stopping" implies a continuous or habitual action of stopping, while "stopped repeatedly" suggests a series of distinct stopping events. The former is more about the behavior, and the latter is about the events themselves.