kept harassing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept harassing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone persistently bothers or annoys another person over a period of time. Example: "Despite being asked to stop, he kept harassing her with unwanted messages."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"Leslie kept harassing him and he took it all in stride".

The New York Times - Arts

"They kept harassing me until I was off parole," Mr. Coleman said.

The New York Times

But a man with a mobile phone, the apparent ringleader, kept harassing him.

The New York Times

Ms. Maldonado said that she told her union representative and plant managers but that the supervisor, Daniel P. Bennett, kept harassing her.

The New York Times

In one of the calls, investigators said, Mr. Abreu, who works for a cargo company at Kennedy International Airport, falsely identified himself as a federal agent and told Luis Lugo, one of Mr. Monserrate's aides, that he had a gun and that he was willing to use it if the Monserrate camp kept harassing the Jimenez campaign.

The New York Times

"He kept harassing her," Daksha says.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

They keep harassing me on the phone, telling me to pay".

The Guardian

I hope they understand that their voices might give pause to the creepy boss who keeps harassing the waitress who has few other job options.

The Washington Post

I may have to come out for legalization if the police keep harassing people and arresting them unnecessarily, but with all that I prefer it to be illegal for it gives a touch of spice to the smoking and saves us from the corporation being able to put vitamins in the hydroponically grown and hybrid hyped marijuana with filters.

The New Yorker

They'll just keep harassing you until you pay up. .

Vice

"Do what you have got to do, besides keep harassing me".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation where someone "kept harassing" another, provide specific examples of the harassing behavior to give a clearer and more impactful account. Instead of saying 'he kept harassing her', specify 'he kept harassing her with unwanted messages and calls'.

Common error

Avoid using passive voice when you want to emphasize the harasser's actions. Instead of saying 'she was kept being harassed', use the active voice: 'he "kept harassing" her'. This makes the sentence more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept harassing" functions as a verb phrase indicating a continuous action in the past. It describes the act of persistently bothering or annoying someone.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kept harassing" is a grammatically correct and usable verb phrase that indicates a continuous action of harassment in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While not extremely common, its usage is well-established and understood. When using this phrase, ensure you're providing context or examples to illustrate the specific harassing behaviors to add impact. Alternative phrases such as "persistently harassed" or "continued to harass" can be used to convey similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persistently harassed

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the harassment.

continued to harass

Highlights the ongoing action of harassing.

repeatedly bothered

Focuses on the act of causing disturbance repeatedly.

constantly annoyed

Stresses the continuous irritation caused to someone.

relentlessly pursued

Indicates a persistent and determined following or targeting.

doggedly pestered

Suggests a stubborn and persistent form of bothering.

incessantly badgered

Emphasizes the unending nature of the pestering.

unremittingly tormented

Highlights the lack of relief from the torment.

perpetually targeted

Focuses on the continuous act of being singled out.

habitually stalked

Implies a pattern of following or watching someone obsessively.

FAQs

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

You can use "kept harassing" to describe a situation where someone persistently annoys or bothers another person. For example: "Despite being asked to stop, he "kept harassing" her with unwanted messages."

What are some alternatives to "kept harassing"?

You can use alternatives like "persistently harassed", "continued to harass", or "repeatedly bothered" depending on the context.

Is "kept harassing" grammatically correct?

Yes, "kept harassing" is grammatically correct. It uses the past tense of "keep" followed by the present participle of "harass", indicating a continued action in the past.

What is the difference between "kept harassing" and "harassed"?

"Harassed" implies a single or a series of harassing actions. "Kept harassing" emphasizes the continuous and repetitive nature of the harassment over a period of time.