kept looking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept looking" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that something continued to occur repeatedly over a period of time. For example, "He kept looking through the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of the long-awaited visitor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She kept looking down.

The New Yorker

Mr. Hock kept looking.

The New York Times

He kept looking.

Forbes

They kept looking.

The New York Times

She kept looking.

The New York Times

But she kept looking.

The New York Times

And kept looking.

The New York Times

The couple kept looking.

The New York Times

We kept looking.

The New York Times

But she kept looking ahead.

The New Yorker

But they kept looking.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kept looking" to emphasize continuous or repeated visual attention, especially when conveying persistence or intent. For instance, "Despite the discouraging signs, he kept looking for a solution."

Common error

Avoid using "kept looking" when a single instance of looking is meant. "He looked at the painting" is appropriate for a single observation, whereas "He kept looking at the painting" implies repeated or prolonged viewing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept looking" functions as a verb phrase indicating the continuation of the action of looking. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It emphasizes that the act of looking was not a one-time event but rather a sustained or repeated action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kept looking" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to describe a continuous or repeated action of looking. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to convey persistence or attentiveness. When writing, use "kept looking" to emphasize the sustained nature of the action. Alternative phrases like "continued to look" or "persisted in looking" can be used to add nuance. Avoid using it when describing a single instance of looking, as this diminishes its emphasis on continuity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continued to look

Focuses on the continuation of the action with a slightly more formal tone.

persisted in looking

Emphasizes the determination and effort involved in the act of looking.

looked repeatedly

Highlights the repetitive nature of the action.

maintained a gaze

Suggests a steady and focused look, often implying deeper observation.

remained watchful

Implies an alert and attentive observation, usually for a specific purpose.

stared continuously

Indicates a prolonged and intense look, possibly due to surprise or fascination.

searched relentlessly

Highlights an exhaustive search, not just a casual look.

never stopped watching

Emphasizes the unwavering nature of the observation.

kept glancing

Suggests short, quick looks, often out of nervousness or curiosity.

continued scanning

Focuses on systematic searching of a specific area or set of objects.

FAQs

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

Use "kept looking" to describe a continuous or repeated action of looking. For example, "She "kept looking back" to see if she was being followed".

What are some alternatives to "kept looking"?

You can use alternatives such as "continued to look", "persisted in looking", or "looked repeatedly" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "kept looking" and "continued looking"?

While similar, "kept looking" often implies a more habitual or persistent action, while "continued looking" simply suggests the action was not interrupted. For instance "The police officer "continued investigating" the case".

When is it appropriate to use "kept glancing" instead of "kept looking"?

"Kept glancing" is suitable when describing short, quick looks, often out of nervousness or curiosity. Unlike the more direct observation implied by "kept looking", "kept glancing" suggests furtive or brief looks.