kept applying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept applying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the ongoing action of submitting applications over a period of time. Example: "Despite facing numerous rejections, she kept applying for jobs until she finally landed an interview."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

45, which I kept applying to my face and neck.

The New Yorker

She kept applying for higher positions and kept hearing that she needed a bit more experience.

The New York Times - Magazine

Against Davenport, she kept applying the pressure even though she lost a second-set tie breaker.

The New York Times - Sports

He kept applying to the Royal Academy, though, and in 1998, on his third try, he was accepted.

The New Yorker

They kept applying the pressure and were rewarded with a try as full-back Vunga Lilo gave the scoring pass to wing David Lemi.

The Guardian - Sport

Almost immediately after it touched his skin, Bouton said, "I could taste it in my mouth," but he kept applying it anyway.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Throughout the temperature cycle, a field of 500 mT was kept applied to the sample.

Earth, Planets and Space

The strengthening fiber laminate was then introduced to the tension side of the beam while the load was kept applied to the other side of the beam.

Engineering Structures

"You have to keep applying force".

The New York Times

But City can't clear effectively, allowing Liverpool to keep applying pressure.

The Guardian - Sport

"I keep applying for jobs and hear nothing at all," he said.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "kept applying", ensure the context clearly indicates what was being applied for. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's meaning.

Common error

Avoid repeating "kept applying" multiple times in a paragraph. Vary your language by using synonyms like "continued to submit", "persisted in their application", or "repeatedly applied" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept applying" functions as a verb phrase indicating a repeated or continuous action. It suggests persistence and determination in performing a specific task. As Ludwig AI shows, it's frequently used to describe job applications, pressure exertion, or consistent application of substances.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "kept applying" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of repeatedly or continuously submitting applications or exerting effort. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, the phrase can be adjusted to fit formal or informal writing styles. When using "kept applying", ensure clarity by specifying what is being applied for and avoid overuse by varying your language with synonyms like "continued applying" or "persisted in applying".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continued applying

Replaces "kept" with "continued", emphasizing the ongoing nature of the application process.

persisted in applying

Substitutes "kept" with "persisted", highlighting the determination and effort involved.

repeatedly applied

Focuses on the repetition of the action of applying.

applied consistently

Highlights the regularity and steadiness of the application process.

never stopped applying

Emphasizes the lack of interruption in the application process.

maintained application efforts

More formal phrasing emphasizing sustained effort.

persevered with applications

Highlights the resilience and determination to overcome obstacles.

submitted applications continuously

Emphasizes ongoing submissions.

kept on with applications

More informal phrasing with similar meaning.

applied without relenting

Focuses on the unwavering nature of the applications.

FAQs

How can I use "kept applying" in a sentence?

You can use "kept applying" to describe a repeated action of submitting applications. For example, "Despite the rejections, he "kept applying" for jobs until he found one."

What's a more formal alternative to "kept applying"?

A more formal alternative to "kept applying" could be "persisted in applying" or "continued to submit applications". These phrases convey a similar meaning but with a more professional tone.

Is there a difference between "kept applying" and "continued applying"?

While similar, "kept applying" emphasizes the repeated nature of the action, while "continued applying" simply emphasizes that the action was ongoing. They are largely interchangeable, though "kept applying" may suggest more persistence.

What words usually follow "kept applying"?

The phrase "kept applying" is commonly followed by words like "for" (e.g., "kept applying for jobs") or "pressure" (e.g., "kept applying pressure"). The preposition "for" is used to indicate the target of the application efforts, while "pressure" indicates an attempt to influence.