kept on looking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept on looking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the continuous action of searching or observing something over a period of time. Example: "Even after the sun set, she kept on looking for her lost keys in the dark."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It would seem that certain people have been looking for any opportunity to trap him, and if one accusation has failed, then they have kept on looking for another, until they can totally discredit him.

The New York Times

I kept on looking out the window and thinking, I am going to miss this.

The New York Times - Magazine

He has kept on looking for the truth, on the assumption that obtaining it is of crucial importance for his life.

SEP

It was that Stockhausen kept on looking for, and finding, sounds never heard before.

The Economist

This lady kept on looking, seeing the people watching, keeping her eye on them.

The Guardian - Books

She kept on looking, staring him into deep levels of retreat.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

For Spurs fans the temptation must be not to blink, just to keep on looking straight ahead.

The Guardian - Sport

We can never really know what happened in that room, but it seems somehow important to keep on looking.

The Guardian - Books

John said: "We will keep on looking until we have satisfied ourselves that we have exhausted all viable lines of inquiry.

The Guardian

There's less incentive to spread information around: you can just keep on looking until you find it.

BBC

Hawks or coyotes will find them and eat them, but keep on looking until you or a great retriever finds the wounded bird.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. While "kept on looking" is versatile, more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "continued to search".

Common error

Avoid overusing "kept on looking" in highly formal writing. While grammatically correct, it might sound less sophisticated than alternatives like "continued to investigate" or "persisted in examining".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "kept on looking" primarily functions as a dynamic verb phrase indicating a continuous or repeated action of searching or observing. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing persistent efforts to find something or someone.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kept on looking" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrasal verb that describes the continuous action of searching or observing. According to Ludwig, it's versatile and appears frequently in news, media, and science contexts. While generally neutral in tone, more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "continued to search" or "persisted in searching". When writing, use "kept on looking" to emphasize persistence, but be mindful of the context to ensure stylistic appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

didn't stop looking

A simpler and more direct way of expressing the continuous action.

continued to search

Replaces the phrasal verb with a more formal and direct alternative.

carried on searching

A more colloquial alternative using a different phrasal verb.

persisted in searching

Emphasizes the determination and prolonged nature of the search.

kept searching relentlessly

Adds an emphasis on the intensity and persistence of the search.

persevered in the search

Highlights the effort and dedication put into the search.

sustained the search

Focuses on the unbroken continuation of the effort.

remained vigilant

Shifts the focus to a state of alertness and observation.

maintained surveillance

Implies a more formal and systematic form of observation.

continued observation

A noun phrase that describes the continuous process of observing.

FAQs

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

You can use "kept on looking" to describe a continuous action of searching or observing. For example, "Even though it was getting dark, he "kept on looking" for his keys."

What phrases are similar to "kept on looking"?

Similar phrases include "continued to search", "persisted in searching", or "carried on searching". The best choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality.

Is "kept on looking" formal or informal?

"Kept on looking" is generally considered neutral to informal. In very formal writing, you might prefer alternatives such as "continued to search".

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

While similar, "kept on looking" can imply a more persistent or determined effort compared to "continued to look". The choice often depends on the nuance you want to convey.