kept banging

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept banging" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a repetitive action of hitting or striking something, often with a sense of persistence or annoyance. Example: "He kept banging on the door, demanding to be let in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Allen, in his sunglasses, kept banging away.

The Washington Post

She kept banging until I finally opened my door.

The New York Times

A din of rocks kept banging against them.

The New Yorker

A mentally ill veteran kept banging on his cell.

The Washington Post

She kept banging into things, without knowing why.

The New York Times

I tried, but the world kept banging on my door.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Who else will keep banging the drum?

The Guardian - Opinion

I keep banging on about this.

The Guardian - Film

We must just keep banging on.

The Guardian

Even so, Haldane should keep banging on about numeracy.

The Guardian - Business

We've got to keep banging on the door and then there will be a flood.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kept banging" to vividly describe a repetitive and often forceful action. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being hit or struck.

Common error

Avoid using "kept banging" in contexts where a more delicate or nuanced action is intended. The phrase implies a forceful and potentially disruptive action, so choose a more appropriate verb if subtlety is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept banging" functions as a verb phrase, specifically indicating a continuous or repeated action. It combines the past tense of "keep" with the gerund form of "bang", creating a dynamic description. Ludwig confirms the usage of "kept banging" as an acceptable english phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

20%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "kept banging" is a common verb phrase used to describe a continuous or repetitive action of forceful impact. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Sports, and Lifestyle writing. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the connotation of forcefulness when choosing this phrase. Alternatives such as "continued hitting" or "repeatedly slammed" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. Overall, "kept banging" is a vivid and descriptive phrase that can effectively convey a sense of persistence or intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continued hitting

Focuses on the continuous nature of the hitting action.

persisted in striking

Highlights the persistence and forcefulness of the action.

repeatedly slammed

Emphasizes the forceful and repetitive nature of the slamming.

continued pounding

Implies a heavy and rhythmic hitting action.

kept hammering

Suggests a continuous and forceful striking action, often with a tool.

repeatedly knocked

Focuses on the repetitive nature of knocking.

persisted in drumming

Emphasizes the continuous, rhythmic aspect of the action.

continued to beat

Highlights the continuous nature of beating something.

repeatedly bashed

Stresses the violent and repetitive nature of the action.

maintained a barrage

Suggests a sustained and overwhelming attack or impact.

FAQs

What does "kept banging" mean?

The phrase "kept banging" describes a continuous action of hitting something repeatedly and forcefully. It often implies persistence or annoyance.

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

You can use "kept banging" to describe someone hitting a door, an object hitting against something else, or even a metaphorical 'banging' in the sense of persistent effort. For example: 'The wind "kept banging" the shutters against the house'.

What are some alternatives to "kept banging"?

Alternatives to "kept banging" include "continued hitting", "repeatedly slammed", or "persisted in striking". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "kept banging" formal or informal?

"Kept banging" is generally considered an informal phrase. In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "continued to strike" or "repeatedly impacted".