kept doing

USAGE SUMMARY

"kept doing" is a common phrase in written English that is used to refer to an ongoing action or behavior.
For example, "She kept doing her best despite the many challenges she faced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Kept doing tricks.

The New York Times

But I kept doing it.

The New York Times - Magazine

But they kept doing it.

The Washington Post

Blamelessly, she kept doing things wrong.

The New Yorker

I kept doing it after that.

The New Yorker

"We just kept doing it".

The New York Times

So we kept doing it".

The Guardian - Tech

"He kept doing his job".

The New York Times - Sports

So I kept doing it.

The Guardian - Film

And kept doing our business.

The New Yorker

And they kept doing so.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "kept doing", ensure that the context makes it clear why the action was continued. This might involve highlighting the reasons, motivations, or circumstances surrounding the persistence.

Common error

Avoid using "kept doing" without providing context as to why the action was continued. Readers may not understand the significance of the persistence if the reasons behind it are not made clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept doing" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the continuation of an action or state in the past. Ludwig examples illustrate its use across diverse contexts to convey persistence. The phrase carries a strong temporal aspect, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kept doing" is a very common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the continuation of an action or behavior in the past. It is versatile and appears across various contexts, from news and media to academia and formal business settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and carries a neutral tone, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using "kept doing", it's important to ensure the context clarifies why the action was sustained. Consider alternative phrases like "continued doing" or "persisted in doing" to fine-tune the nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continued doing

Emphasizes the uninterrupted nature of the action, focusing on its ongoing progress.

persisted in doing

Highlights the determination and effort involved in maintaining the action, especially in the face of obstacles.

maintained doing

Focuses on the consistency and stability of the action over a period of time.

carried on doing

Suggests a casual or informal continuation of an activity, often after an interruption.

repeatedly did

Stresses the repetitive nature of the action, highlighting its recurrence.

incessantly did

Implies a relentless and uninterrupted continuation, often to an excessive degree.

uninterruptedly did

Highlights the absence of any breaks or pauses in the performance of the action.

sustained doing

Implies a focused and prolonged continuation of the action, typically requiring effort and commitment.

persevered in doing

Emphasizes the resilience and unwavering dedication involved in continuing the action, even when facing difficulties.

lingered on doing

Suggests a slow and prolonged continuation of the action, often implying a reluctance to stop.

FAQs

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

You can use "kept doing" to describe an action that someone continued to perform. For example, "She "kept doing" her best despite the challenges" or "They "kept doing" what they were told".

What are some alternatives to "kept doing"?

Alternatives to "kept doing" include phrases like "continued doing", "persisted in doing", or "maintained doing". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "kept doing"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use "kept doing". The verb "kept" is the past tense of "keep", and it is correctly followed by the gerund form of the verb "doing". This construction is standard English.

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

"Kept doing" refers to an action that continued in the past, while "keeps doing" refers to an action that continues in the present. For example, "She "kept doing" her homework yesterday", versus, "She keeps doing her homework every day".