kept malfunctioning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept malfunctioning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something continues to fail or operate incorrectly over a period of time. Example: "The old printer kept malfunctioning, causing delays in our printing tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

However Mr Houston's "bot" kept malfunctioning.

BBC

I tried the breathalyser test again, but it kept malfunctioning, jumping between 0.00 and 0.07.

Vice

I tried the breathalyzer test again, but it kept malfunctioning, jumping between 0.00 and 0.07.

Vice

The hospital lights kept malfunctioning and a spooky murder mystery developed.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I imagine the feeling a death row inmate would have if the gas chamber kept malfunctioning week after week is similar to what we've been through.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The cheap patio umbrella keeps malfunctioning, as does the screen door they haven't gotten around to repairing.

The New York Times

Her songs are wry and retro, with wordplay harking back to Tin Pan Alley's heyday: "This stupid heart, this foolish thing/Failed me from the start, keeps malfunctioning," she coos in "Heartbroken," as her airy voice belies the lyrics.

The New York Times - Arts

In the meantime, New Jersey Transit riders keep encountering malfunctioning doors.

The New York Times

He was in great form for the Belgian spring classics, but a fall and material malfunction kept him from playing a part in the final of both the E3 Harelbeke and Gent Wevelgem.

Wikipedia

A gun malfunction kept former Vice President Dick Cheney's team from having a chance at the One Shot Antelope Hunt title over the weekend, an unlucky mishap that earned him mockery from other contestants.

Huffington Post

The garage also had multiple malfunctions and kept cars trapped inside for extended periods of time.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "kept malfunctioning", ensure it accurately reflects a recurring issue rather than a single instance. Context should support the repeated nature of the problem.

Common error

Avoid using "kept malfunctioning" when a simpler description of a single malfunction suffices. Overusing it can create unnecessary emphasis and potentially mislead the reader about the severity or frequency of the problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept malfunctioning" functions as a verb phrase indicating a repeated or continuous action of failing to function correctly. Ludwig provides examples from news articles and other sources demonstrating its use in describing recurring technical issues.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "kept malfunctioning" effectively communicates a recurring failure or malfunction. According to Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, with usage spanning across news media, wikis, and scientific contexts. It is best used when emphasizing the repetitive nature of the malfunction, differentiating it from a one-time occurrence. Common alternatives include "repeatedly malfunctioned" and "continued to malfunction". While appropriate for general use, it's essential to ensure the context justifies the emphasis on repetition to avoid misrepresenting the issue. Ludwig AI analysis indicates a neutral register, making it suitable for various forms of writing. The provided examples and related phrases offer a comprehensive understanding of its application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

repeatedly malfunctioned

Replaces "kept" with "repeatedly" for emphasis on repetition, maintaining the core meaning.

continued to malfunction

Uses "continued" as a synonym for "kept", providing a slightly more formal tone.

persistently malfunctioned

Substitutes "kept" with "persistently" to highlight the ongoing and stubborn nature of the malfunction.

incessantly malfunctioned

Replaces "kept" with "incessantly" to stress the uninterrupted nature of the malfunctioning.

was constantly malfunctioning

Changes the structure to use "was constantly malfunctioning", adding a continuous aspect.

had recurring malfunctions

Shifts the focus to the malfunctions themselves being recurring, rather than the act of malfunctioning.

was prone to malfunction

Indicates a tendency or likelihood to malfunction repeatedly.

exhibited persistent malfunctions

Uses more formal language to describe the ongoing nature of the malfunctions.

malfunctioned on numerous occasions

Emphasizes the frequency of the malfunctions.

experienced repeated malfunctions

Focuses on the experience of repeated malfunctions.

FAQs

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

Use "kept malfunctioning" to describe a device or system that repeatedly fails to work correctly. For example, "The old computer "kept malfunctioning", causing frequent interruptions."

What are some alternatives to "kept malfunctioning"?

Alternatives include "repeatedly malfunctioned", "continued to malfunction", or "persistently malfunctioned". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it better to say "kept malfunctioning" or "continued to malfunction"?

Both "kept malfunctioning" and "continued to malfunction" are correct. "Continued to malfunction" may sound slightly more formal, but the difference is minimal. Choose the one that fits best with the overall tone of your writing.

When should I use "kept malfunctioning" instead of just saying "malfunctioned"?

Use "kept malfunctioning" when you want to emphasize that the malfunctioning was not an isolated incident, but rather a recurring problem. If it only happened once, simply saying "malfunctioned" is sufficient.