kept on

USAGE SUMMARY

"kept on" is a valid phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone continued doing something persistently. For example, "He kept on asking the same question until he was satisfied with the answer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They kept on going.

The New Yorker

Madrid kept on coming.

The Guardian - Sport

"She kept on, kept on.

The New York Times - Books

So she kept on talking.

The New York Times

"I just kept on going".

The New York Times

So I kept on going.

The New Yorker

I kept on writing.

The New Yorker

They kept on driving.

The New York Times

He kept on digging.

The Guardian

"She kept on coming.

The New York Times - Sports

She kept on playing".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kept on" to emphasize the continuous nature of an action, especially when the action is repeated or persists over time. For example, "Despite the setbacks, she "kept on" trying".

Common error

While "kept on" is acceptable, it can sound less formal. In academic or professional contexts, consider alternatives like "continued to" for a more polished tone. Overusing "kept on" can make your writing seem repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept on" functions as a phrasal verb, acting as the predicate in a sentence to express the continuation of an action. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a valid English construction. Examples include "They "kept on" driving" and "She "kept on" smiling."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

9%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kept on" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to indicate the continuation of an action or state. While generally neutral in register, it is more suitable for informal or general contexts, with more formal alternatives available for academic or professional writing. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is widely used in news and media, demonstrating its versatility. When writing, remember to use "kept on" to emphasize ongoing actions and consider the context to determine if a more formal option like "continued to" might be more appropriate. Be careful not to overuse "kept on" in the same document, as it can get repetitive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continued to

This alternative uses a more formal verb, "continued", offering a slightly elevated tone compared to "kept on".

carried on

"Carried on" is a phrasal verb synonymous with "kept on", but it carries a slightly more informal tone.

went on

"Went on" is a simpler alternative, focusing on the sequential continuation of an action, rather than its persistence.

persisted in

Persisted implies a determined continuation despite obstacles, adding a sense of resolve absent in "kept on".

persevered

"Persevered" communicates an intention to stick with an activity with determination and steadfastness.

pressed on

"Pressed on" suggests moving forward with determination, even when facing difficulty, adding an element of effort.

stuck with it

This phrase emphasizes dedication and resilience, highlighting the commitment to continue despite challenges.

stayed with it

"Stayed with it" is an informal way of describing dedication to continue despite challenges and is more specific to the process instead of the activity itself.

remained

"Remained" suggests continuation of a state or condition, rather than an action, differing slightly from "kept on" which implies an ongoing activity.

maintained

"Maintained" is a more formal way of describing how something was "kept on".

FAQs

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

Use "kept on" to show the continuation of an action or state. For example, "The music "kept on" playing even after the power outage." or "Despite the rain, they "kept on" hiking."

What are some alternatives to "kept on"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "continued to", "persisted in", or "carried on" instead of "kept on".

Is "kept on" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "kept on" is generally considered more informal. For formal writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "continued to" or "maintained".

What's the difference between "kept on" and "continued to"?

"Kept on" and "continued to" both indicate that an action persisted. However, "kept on" can imply a more persistent or repetitive action, while "continued to" is generally more neutral and formal.