kept on speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept on speaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who continues to talk or express themselves verbally, often despite interruptions or distractions. Example: "Even when the audience started to lose interest, the speaker kept on speaking, determined to convey his message."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Long after Beth El reached a compromise with the Conservative movement that allowed it to interview one outside candidate, long after it hired a Conservative rabbi who had been the search committee's top choice, Mr. Richman has kept on speaking and writing that same word.

The New York Times

But the role of underdog suited him well: the Speaker kept on speaking, hiring the upstart organizers he could afford, and by the time Cain suspended his candidacy, in early December, Gingrich had assembled a small but spirited campaign staff and a growing number of supporters.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

I intend to keep on speaking out, as do a number of my peers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Playing a "spot-light solo" and suddenly have the organ cypher a pipe would keep on speaking.

The New Yorker

But then again they keep on speaking in foreign..so who knows?" Arsenal's Olivier Giroud gets an arm in the face and gives an arm in the face, against Marseille in the Champions League.

The Guardian - Sport

But a senior Israeli official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said European diplomats had privately encouraged Israeli leaders "to keep on speaking loudly about the possibility of the military option" as a tactic they believe can only improve their negotiating position.

The New York Times

Keep on speaking 'til I tell you to stop.'" At his publisher, Quercus, editor-in-chief Jon Riley said today: "I don't think I ever left Karl's presence without feeling that he had, even when old, ill and tired, made the day better through his wit, kindness and incomparable intelligence about writing and writers.

The Guardian - Books

"I shall keep on speaking out until I see changes in the issues that I've talked about.

BBC

The voice keeps on speaking.

Huffington Post

They will speak with compassion and dignity, and they will keep on speaking until the cries of their parents and grandparents are heard.

Huffington Post

Despite being widely disparaged as a crackpot, Wright said he received over a million emails and phone calls telling him to keep on speaking out -- "all of them from Hillary Clinton," joked Jay Leno.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kept on speaking" to emphasize the continuous nature of someone's speech, especially when they are facing interruptions or resistance. For example, "Despite the heckling, she "kept on speaking" to get her point across."

Common error

While "kept on speaking" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Alternatives like "continued speaking" or "persisted in speaking" may sound more polished.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept on speaking" functions as a phrasal verb indicating the continuation of an action (speaking) over time. Ludwig AI provides examples of its use in various contexts, demonstrating its ability to convey persistence or uninterrupted action.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "kept on speaking" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe someone's continued act of speaking. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is most commonly used in news and media, as well as in more informal contexts like Wiki articles. Although acceptable in various scenarios, consider more formal alternatives like "continued speaking" or "persisted in speaking" for academic or professional writing. Remember, the key is to emphasize the sustained, uninterrupted nature of the speech. While "kept on speaking" isn't the most frequently used phrase, it effectively communicates persistence in verbal expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continued speaking

Emphasizes the unbroken continuation of the act of speaking.

persisted in speaking

Highlights the determination to continue speaking despite potential obstacles or resistance.

went on talking

A more informal way to express the continuation of speech.

maintained speaking

Focuses on the sustained effort to keep speaking.

carried on speaking

Suggests a smooth continuation of speaking, often after an interruption.

kept talking

A simpler, more direct alternative indicating the continuation of talking.

insisted on speaking

Highlights the insistence and determination behind the act of speaking.

repeatedly spoke

Emphasizes the repetitive nature of speaking.

verbally reiterated

A more formal way to express repeatedly expressing something verbally.

articulated further

Focuses on the act of expressing something more elaborately.

FAQs

What does "kept on speaking" mean?

The phrase "kept on speaking" means to continue talking, often despite interruptions or other factors that might cause someone to stop. It emphasizes the persistence of the speaker.

What can I say instead of "kept on speaking"?

You can use alternatives like "continued speaking", "persisted in speaking", or "went on talking", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

How do I use "kept on speaking" in a sentence?

You can use "kept on speaking" to describe someone who continued to talk despite challenges. For instance, "Even when the audience started to lose interest, the speaker "kept on speaking", determined to convey his message."

Is "kept on speaking" formal or informal?

"Kept on speaking" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "continued speaking" or "persisted in speaking".