kept looking for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept looking for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe an action that has been performed for a prolonged period of time. For example, "I kept looking for the right job for months before I found one that was a good fit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I kept looking for jobs.

The Guardian - Money

I kept looking for the catch.

The New York Times - Magazine

We kept looking for some record.

The New York Times

After I left that job, I kept looking for solutions.

The New York Times

Mr. Romney kept looking for reasons to drop out.

The New York Times

And he kept looking for ways to expand his readership.

The New Yorker

On the way into town, we kept looking for Moxie.

The New York Times - Arts

"They kept looking for more young people from me.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"I keep looking for work.

The New York Times

"We keep looking for peace".

The New York Times

McGregor keeps looking for an overhand left.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "kept looking for", ensure the context clearly indicates what was being searched for to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "She kept looking for her keys" is more effective than "She kept looking."

Common error

Avoid using "kept looking for" repeatedly within a short passage. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "persistently sought" or "continually searched for" to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept looking for" functions as a verb phrase indicating a continued action in the past. Ludwig provides examples of its use in various contexts, confirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

91%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kept looking for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that conveys persistent searching. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and appropriate for describing ongoing efforts to find something. While synonyms like "persistently sought" and "continually searched for" exist, "kept looking for" remains a common and versatile choice. Usage is prevalent in news and media contexts, with occasional appearances in more formal or business settings. Remember to maintain clarity by specifying the object of the search and avoid overuse within close proximity to retain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continually searched for

Highlights the ongoing nature of the searching action.

persistently sought

Emphasizes the continuous and determined nature of the search.

pursued the search for

Emphasizes active chasing or following a lead in the search.

remained in search of

Implies a state of continuing the search over a period.

repeatedly tried to find

Focuses on the multiple attempts made to locate something.

never stopped seeking

Highlights the unwavering commitment to the search.

persevered in finding

Emphasizes the determination and persistence in the search.

worked at discovering

Highlights active and continuous pursuit with effort to reveal something.

endeavored to locate

Suggests a formal and effortful attempt to find something.

strove to unearth

Highlights an active and arduous search to discover something hidden.

FAQs

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

You can use "kept looking for" to describe a continuous or repeated search. For example, "Despite the challenges, he "kept looking for" a solution to the problem".

What can I say instead of "kept looking for"?

You can use alternatives like "persistently sought", "continually searched for", or "remained in search of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "keeps looking for" instead of "kept looking for"?

"Keeps looking for" is the present tense form, while ""kept looking for"" is the past tense. Choose the form that matches the time frame of your sentence.

What's the difference between "searched for" and "kept looking for"?

"Searched for" implies a general act of searching, while ""kept looking for"" emphasizes a continuous or repeated effort over a period of time.