kept fighting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept fighting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who continues to struggle or resist despite challenges or difficulties. Example: "Even when the odds were against him, he kept fighting for what he believed in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"But guys kept fighting".

The New York Times - Sports

So he kept fighting".

The New York Times

He kept fighting".

The New York Times - Sports

They kept fighting for answers.

The Economist

"But I still kept fighting".

The New York Times - Sports

"She kept fighting through it.

The New York Times - Sports

We just kept fighting".

The New York Times - Sports

"He kept fighting through.

The New York Times - Sports

When times were tough, you kept fighting.

The New York Times

But our team kept fighting, kept playing".

The New York Times - Sports

I kept fighting, and that's all".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kept fighting" to emphasize continuous effort and resilience in challenging situations. This phrase is effective in conveying a sense of determination and perseverance.

Common error

Avoid using "kept fighting" in overly passive constructions. Ensure the subject actively performs the fighting, rather than being acted upon. For example, instead of "The spirit of the team was kept fighting by the coach", use "The coach ensured the team kept fighting."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept fighting" functions as a verbal phrase indicating continuous action in the past. It describes the ongoing nature of fighting, emphasizing persistence. Ludwig confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "kept fighting" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe continued effort and resilience, as confirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it conveys a sense of determination in overcoming challenges. Ludwig AI highlights the phrase's neutral register, making it suitable for various communicative purposes. When using this phrase, avoid passive constructions to maintain clarity and impact. Alternative phrases like "persisted in fighting" or "refused to give up" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. The phrase's consistent usage across authoritative sources reinforces its reliability and effectiveness in written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persisted in fighting

Replaces "kept" with "persisted", emphasizing continued effort over time.

continued to battle

Substitutes "fighting" with "battle", suggesting a more protracted and intense struggle.

refused to give up

Focuses on the act of not surrendering, highlighting the mental fortitude involved.

persevered through adversity

Highlights the challenging circumstances that were overcome.

remained resilient

Emphasizes the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

stayed in the struggle

Implies an ongoing effort to compete or contend.

maintained resistance

Highlights the continuous act of opposing or withstanding something.

pressed on relentlessly

Emphasizes the unwavering and forceful nature of the continued effort.

fought tooth and nail

Conveys a sense of extreme effort and determination in fighting.

never yielded

Focuses on the unwavering nature of the resistance, highlighting a refusal to surrender.

FAQs

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

The phrase "kept fighting" emphasizes continued effort despite difficulties. For example, "Despite the setbacks, the team "kept fighting" until the end."

What are some alternatives to "kept fighting"?

Alternatives include phrases like "persisted in fighting", "continued to battle", or "refused to give up", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "kept fighting" or "keep fighting"?

"Kept fighting" is the past tense, indicating a completed action of continuous fighting. "Keep fighting" is the imperative or present tense, suggesting an ongoing or future action. The correct choice depends on the context.

What's the difference between "kept fighting" and "fought back"?

"Kept fighting" implies a sustained effort over time, while "fought back" suggests a reactive response to an immediate threat or attack.