kept on working

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept on working" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of continuing to work despite challenges or distractions. Example: "Even when the project became difficult, she kept on working until it was completed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

"He got very despondent about the whole thing, but he just kept on working".

The New York Times - Arts

He kept on working until the works became unfamiliar to him, as awkward in the world as he probably felt in his own skin.

The Guardian - Arts

Otherwise it kept on working as it had all along.

Forbes

Most participants had strong feelings of responsibility and kept on working despite pain.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

The goal of manager is to find only one activity set which should be kept on working using the power use pattern, real-time user position, and device status form data aggregator and to stop services in unnecessary sets.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

"We kept on working because it was our way of supporting one another," said the designer Rabih Kayrouz, who started his career in Lebanon but relocated to Paris in 2008.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

"The hidden ones stayed to keep on working," Ezra says.

The New York Times - Magazine

They all just keep on working.

The New Yorker

I will keep on working hard".

The New York Times - Sports

You just have to keep on working".

The New York Times - Sports

We have to keep on working.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When clarity is paramount, consider replacing "kept on working" with a more formal alternative like "continued to work", especially in academic or business contexts.

Common error

While "kept on working" is perfectly acceptable, avoid overusing phrasal verbs like this in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and formal alternatives such as "continued to work" or "persisted in working" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept on working" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the continuation of an action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It describes the act of persistently engaging in work, even when facing difficulties or interruptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kept on working" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies persistent effort and dedication to a task. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability, particularly in news, media, and scientific contexts. While more formal alternatives like "continued to work" may be preferred in academic settings, "kept on working" effectively conveys the idea of perseverance. The phrase's widespread use and consistent meaning make it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continued to work

Replaces the phrasal verb with a more formal verb, focusing on the uninterrupted nature of the work.

persisted in working

Emphasizes the determination and effort involved in continuing to work, especially in the face of challenges.

persevered with work

Similar to 'persisted in working' but adds a dimension of overcoming hardship.

carried on working

Similar in meaning, but with a slightly more informal tone than "continued to work".

remained at work

Focuses on the state of being at work, highlighting the sustained presence and activity.

didn't stop working

Highlights the lack of interruption in the work process.

labored on

Implies a more strenuous or intensive effort in continuing to work.

kept at it

A more colloquial expression indicating continued effort and dedication.

pressed on with work

Highlights the forward momentum and commitment to the work being done.

stayed employed

Focuses primarily on maintaining employment status, with an implication of continued work.

FAQs

What does "kept on working" mean?

The phrase "kept on working" means to continue working, often despite challenges or difficulties. It implies persistence and dedication to the task at hand.

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

You can use alternatives like "continued to work", "persisted in working", or "carried on working" depending on the context.

Is "kept on working" formal or informal?

"Kept on working" is generally considered more informal. In formal writing, it's better to use phrases like "continued to work" or "persisted in working".

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

You can use "kept on working" to describe someone's continuous effort: "Despite the setbacks, she "kept on working" until the project was finished."