kept pressing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept pressing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who continues to apply pressure or insist on something over a period of time. Example: "Despite the challenges, she kept pressing for a solution to the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

He kept pressing.

The New Yorker

Mr. Remini kept pressing.

The New York Times - Arts

We kept pressing.

The New York Times - Sports

(She kept pressing him on the point).

The New Yorker

Nobody gave up, we kept pressing".

The New York Times - Sports

Yet the Blackhawks kept pressing and rallied.

The New York Times - Sports

I kept pressing and pressing.

The New Yorker

As the interval neared United kept pressing.

The Guardian - Sport

In response, Abitbol kept pressing Phelps-Roper on Westboro's doctrine.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

We hope they keep pressing.

The New York Times

You keep pressing ahead.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kept pressing" to convey persistence in pursuing a goal or questioning someone, particularly when facing resistance. This implies a continued effort to overcome obstacles.

Common error

Avoid using "kept pressing" multiple times in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms like "persisted", "continued", or "maintained pressure" to enhance readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept pressing" functions as a verb phrase indicating a continuous or repeated action in the past. It suggests persistence or insistence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kept pressing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that effectively conveys persistence or insistence in past actions. As noted by Ludwig AI, this expression is both valid and versatile. It commonly appears in news and media contexts, as well as in sports reporting, indicating a sustained effort or repeated questioning. While its register is generally neutral, its prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times, The New Yorker and BBC underscores its reliability in formal writing. For varied expression, alternatives such as "continued to push", "persisted in urging", and "maintained pressure" can be used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continued to push

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the effort, focusing on the act of pushing forward.

persisted in urging

Highlights the act of persistently encouraging or persuading someone.

maintained pressure

Focuses on the sustained application of force or influence.

remained insistent

Emphasizes the unwavering nature of the demand or request.

persevered in advocating

Highlights the continuous effort to promote a cause or idea.

pressed on relentlessly

Implies a forceful and unyielding continuation of effort.

doggedly pursued

Suggests a tenacious and determined approach to achieving a goal.

unceasingly lobbied

Highlights the continuous act of advocating or petitioning.

unrelentingly campaigned

Focuses on the continuous and determined effort to promote a cause or candidate.

carried on pushing

Suggests the action of "pushing" is not finished.

FAQs

How can I use "kept pressing" in a sentence?

You can use "kept pressing" to indicate someone persistently pursued something or insisted on something. For example, "The journalist "kept pressing" the politician for answers about the scandal".

What are some alternatives to "kept pressing"?

Alternatives to "kept pressing" include "continued to push", "persisted in urging", or "maintained pressure", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "keep pressing" instead of "kept pressing"?

While "kept pressing" is in the past tense, "keep pressing" is in the present tense. Use "keep pressing" when describing an ongoing action, and "kept pressing" when describing a past action.

What is the difference between "kept pressing" and "kept pushing"?

While similar, "kept pressing" often implies insistence or questioning, while "kept pushing" suggests continuous effort toward a goal. For instance, "He "kept pressing" her for a commitment," versus "They "kept pushing" to reach the summit".