kept creeping

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept creeping" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual or slow movement or increase of something over time, often in a way that is unsettling or unwelcome. Example: "As the night wore on, the feeling of unease kept creeping into her mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Cheerfulness kept creeping in".

The Guardian - Books

"More and more it kept creeping in," he said.

The New York Times

The weight kept creeping back, faster and faster.

The New York Times - Magazine

"And in the secondary, we kept creeping up".

The New York Times - Sports

I noticed that Randy kept creeping closer between shots, but I didn't say anything.

The New Yorker

She succeeded, though another woman kept creeping closer and closer to her space, she noted.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Yet Teendom keeps creeping in.

The New Yorker

TriBeCa keeps creeping eastward, from the traditional Broadway to Lafayette or Centre Street.

The New York Times

With housing, though, the bigger picture just keeps creeping back in.

The Guardian

Acheson keeps creeping into his memories, simply because he lives in the same house.

The New Yorker

Yet he can never resist a joke -- jollity keeps creeping in.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kept creeping" to vividly describe a gradual, often unwanted, progression or intrusion, whether it's a physical movement, an emotion, or an idea taking hold. For instance, "Doubt kept creeping into her mind as the deadline approached."

Common error

Avoid using "kept creeping" excessively in formal or technical writing. While effective in descriptive narratives, it can sound too informal or subjective in contexts that demand objectivity. Opt for more neutral terms like "gradually increased" or "slowly advanced" in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept creeping" functions as a dynamic verb phrase, typically used to describe a slow, gradual, and often unwanted or unnoticed movement or progression. Ludwig AI confirms this with real-world examples, highlighting the phrase's ability to depict subtle intrusions and advances.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kept creeping" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a gradual or subtle movement, progression, or intrusion. Ludwig AI indicates that while grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, it leans towards informality. To enhance your writing, use "kept creeping" to depict vivid imagery of slow and steady advancements, but consider more formal alternatives like "gradually progressed" or "steadily increased" in technical or professional settings. Real-world examples from sources like The New York Times and The Guardian showcase its effectiveness in news articles and descriptive narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insidiously crept

Highlights the subtle, treacherous, and often harmful nature of the creeping.

gradually encroached

Highlights the slow and subtle advance, often implying a territorial or spatial context.

continued to infiltrate

Emphasizes a gradual and often unwanted entry or spread, highlighting the invasive aspect.

slowly advanced

Focuses on the unhurried pace of the movement, suitable for describing physical or abstract progression.

steadily intruded

Stresses the persistent and unwelcome nature of the movement or influence.

persistently insinuated

Implies a subtle and indirect entry, often used for abstract concepts like doubts or fears.

imperceptibly inched forward

Emphasizes the extremely gradual and subtle nature of the movement.

relentlessly progressed

Highlights the unstoppable and continuous nature of the advancement.

progressively permeated

Focuses on the gradual spread and influence throughout something.

incessantly wormed its way

Conveys a sense of persistent and perhaps unwanted entry, often with negative connotations.

FAQs

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

You can use "kept creeping" to describe a gradual or subtle increase or movement. For example: "The feeling of unease "kept creeping" into her thoughts as the storm intensified."

What are some alternatives to using "kept creeping"?

Alternatives include "gradually encroached", "slowly advanced", or "steadily intruded", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "kept creeping" formal or informal?

"Kept creeping" leans towards the informal side, making it suitable for descriptive writing and narratives. For formal or technical contexts, consider alternatives like "progressed gradually" or "increased steadily".

How does "insidiously crept" compare to "kept creeping"?

Insidiously crept suggests a subtle, treacherous, and harmful movement. "Kept creeping" is more neutral, simply indicating a gradual progression without necessarily implying malice or harm. The best choice depends on the specific context and intended connotation.