kept on sticking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept on sticking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something continues to adhere or remain attached despite attempts to remove it. Example: "The label on the jar kept on sticking to my fingers, making it difficult to open."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Some idiot kept on sticking his belly out and pushing me around.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Tajikistan positions itself as a democratic country; therefore it must keep on sticking to democratic norms," she said.

The Guardian

"If their goal is to keep on sticking it in the eye of business, they've done a good job".

The New York Times

He recalled the Melville she'd committed to memory, the respect she had for Graham Greene novels, the merciless grip she kept on her stick when she played field hockey.

The New Yorker

In trying to separate the humanitarian catastrophe and the war itself, Tory MPs kept on asking soft questions about the sticking plaster Britain is handing out as its Saudi ally hacks away at the conflict with a rusty axe.

Vice

He keeps on laughing, hysterically, stuck in a feedback loop.

Vice

"This situation is not what we wanted but the team must stick together and keep on going.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's a case of everyone sticking together and making sure we keep on going.

BBC

A quiet day at St . Louiskept Smith stuck on 14 sacks, just a half-sack behind Jevon Kearse's rookie record.

The New York Times

And we had so much fun together - the ball kept getting stuck on a balcony and one of us had to climb up and retrieve it.

BBC

Mud filled thousands of homes today and kept drivers stuck on mountain roads after flash floods washed through the narrow valleys of southern West Virginia, carrying off mobile homes and forcing residents to their rooftops.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kept on sticking" to describe a situation where something repeatedly or continuously adheres to a surface, especially when it is unwanted or unexpected.

Common error

While "kept on sticking" is acceptable, it can sound informal in professional contexts. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "continued to adhere" or "persisted in remaining attached".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "kept on sticking" is that of a phrasal verb, specifically a continuous or habitual action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates something that continued to adhere or remain attached. The example provided by Ludwig illustrates its use in describing persistent adhesion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kept on sticking" is a phrasal verb indicating persistent adhesion. As Ludwig AI reports, it is grammatically correct and suitable for general use, although more formal writing might benefit from alternatives like "continued to adhere". Ludwig examples showcase its usage across various sources, especially news and media. While its function is to describe persistent adhesion, it can convey frustration. When writing, it's important to consider the context and audience to determine whether "kept on sticking" is the most appropriate choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continued to adhere

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of adhesion, focusing on the continuation of the sticking action.

persisted in clinging

Highlights the tenacious nature of the sticking action, suggesting resistance to removal.

remained attached

Focuses on the state of being attached, rather than the act of sticking itself.

wouldn't come off

More informal, emphasizing the difficulty in detaching something.

refused to detach

Highlights the unwillingness of something to separate from a surface.

held fast

Implies a firm and secure attachment, resisting any force to dislodge it.

stayed glued

Suggests a strong adhesive force, implying a very firm attachment.

clung tightly

Emphasizes the strength and security of the clinging action.

stuck relentlessly

Highlights the unyielding nature of the sticking action, continuing without pause.

maintained adhesion

Focuses on the maintenance of the adhesive bond over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "kept on sticking" to describe something that repeatedly adheres to a surface. For example, "The label on the jar "kept on sticking" to my fingers."

What are some alternatives to "kept on sticking"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "continued to adhere", "persisted in clinging", or "remained attached".

Is "kept on sticking" formal or informal?

"Kept on sticking" leans towards being informal. In formal contexts, consider using more precise and sophisticated vocabulary.

When is it appropriate to use "kept on sticking"?

It's appropriate to use "kept on sticking" in casual conversations, informal writing, or when emphasizing the repetitive nature of something adhering to a surface. Avoid it in strictly formal documents.