kept on going

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept on going" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that continues to move or persist despite challenges or obstacles. Example: "Even after facing numerous setbacks, she kept on going until she achieved her goal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We kept on going and gave them a good game.

Independent

"I kept on going back to it," Eisner tells me.

TechCrunch

The dates kept on going like this.

Huffington Post

But I mean, I kept on going back to him, running back to him, running back to him.

Archives of Sexual Behavior

This one … it just kept on going.

The Guardian - Music

They kept on going.

The New Yorker

"I just kept on going".

The New York Times

So I kept on going.

The New Yorker

"We just kept on going," Brodeur said.

The New York Times - Sports

I kept on going sick.

The Guardian - Books

"It just kept on going.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kept on going" to emphasize the continuous nature of an action, especially when highlighting resilience or determination in the face of challenges. For example, "Despite the setbacks, the team kept on going until they achieved their goal."

Common error

Avoid using "kept on going" when a simpler verb like "continued" or "proceeded" suffices. Overusing phrasal verbs can sometimes make your writing sound less concise and less professional. For example, instead of saying "The project kept on going despite the delays", consider "The project continued despite the delays".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept on going" functions as a phrasal verb indicating the continuation of an action or state. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used to emphasize persistence or resilience in the face of challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "kept on going" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the continuation of an action, especially when emphasizing persistence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's less common in highly formal writing, where alternatives like "continued" or "proceeded" might be more appropriate. To ensure clarity and avoid redundancy, it's best to use "kept on going" when you specifically want to highlight the unwavering nature of an action despite challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

went on

A more general term for continuing an action or event.

carried on

Suggests continuing despite difficulties or interruptions.

continued moving

Focuses on the physical act of continuing movement.

proceeded

Implies a planned or ordered continuation.

didn't stop

Emphasizes the lack of interruption or cessation.

persisted

Emphasizes determination and resilience in continuing.

persevered

Emphasizes continuing despite significant obstacles.

kept at it

Highlights consistent effort and dedication.

maintained momentum

Focuses on keeping up speed and progress.

advanced

Suggests forward movement and progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "kept on going" to describe the continuation of an action, often despite difficulties. For example: "Even though it was difficult, she "kept on going" until she finished the race."

What's a good alternative to "kept on going"?

Alternatives to "kept on going" include "continued", "persisted", or "carried on", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "kept on going" formal or informal?

"Kept on going" is generally considered informal. In more formal contexts, consider using "continued" or "proceeded".

What is the difference between "kept on going" and "continued"?

While both phrases indicate continuation, "kept on going" often implies a sense of persistence or effort in the face of challenges, whereas "continued" is a more neutral term. They "kept on going" despite the rain is slightly more emphatic than They "continued" despite the rain.