kept prodding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept prodding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of persistently encouraging or pushing someone to take action or to provide information. Example: "Despite her reluctance, he kept prodding her to share her thoughts on the matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Dr. Asgary kept prodding for details, asking, "Bigger than this?" while wobbling his pen.

The New York Times

But a writer friend, who had gone through The Process, kept prodding me.

The Guardian

But Mr. Obama kept prodding Mr. Netanyahu, senior advisers said, raising the importance of a makeup phone call every day he was in Jerusalem.

The New York Times

'Most people would say something bad about her,' this interviewer kept prodding me, and I said to him, 'Well, I'm not most people".' To say the least.

The New York Times - Magazine

He kept prodding, and then, during his closing arguments, accused Mr. Rosario of lying under oath about the store and about not seeing the metal pipe in Mr. Corea's hands.

The New York Times

When I kept prodding him for a reaction beyond sheer fact and discernment, he stayed in that calm zone he likes to inhabit, the analyst of even his own gut.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Let us keep prodding candidates to clarify their plan of action or inaction in situations of genocide.

The New York Times

Adassinsky keeps prodding Yarovaya to turn for the audience; they cut between false smiles for their public, and seething resentment to each other.

Independent

Administration officials said they decided that the United States had no choice but to concede that it could no longer keep prodding Russia to delay shipping the fuel.

The New York Times

My boyfriend keeps prodding me with his fork... Being on the receiving end of 1,000 complaints every week – and finding the energy to answer them – requires patience and compassion beyond most of us.

Independent

Identified on one of Nathan's tapes as a helpful "product of your imagination," the Muse keeps prodding Nathan to get back to work, to focus, to shut up and sing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "kept prodding", ensure the context clearly indicates what information or action was being sought. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While "kept prodding" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can sound repetitive or informal. Vary your language with synonyms like "persistently urged" or "repeatedly prompted" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept prodding" functions as a verb phrase, typically indicating a continuous or repeated action of urging, encouraging, or pushing someone to do or say something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kept prodding" is a grammatically correct and understandable verb phrase used to describe the act of persistently encouraging or urging someone to take action or provide information. Ludwig AI shows that it's most commonly found in News & Media contexts and has a neutral register, making it suitable for various writing styles. While synonyms like "repeatedly prompted" or "persisted in urging" can offer variety, "kept prodding" effectively conveys the sense of continuous prompting. This phrase, while useful, should be used thoughtfully in formal writing to avoid sounding repetitive or informal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persisted in urging

Emphasizes the continuation of urging someone.

continued to press

Highlights the ongoing nature of applying pressure for a response or action.

repeatedly prompted

Focuses on the act of repeatedly encouraging someone to do something.

consistently nudged

Suggests a gentle but constant encouragement.

doggedly pursued

Implies a determined and relentless effort in seeking information or action.

incessantly urged

Highlights the unending nature of the urging.

unrelentingly pushed

Emphasizes the continuous and forceful nature of the pushing.

tenaciously coaxed

Suggests a persistent and skillful effort to persuade someone.

persevered in soliciting

Focuses on the continued effort to obtain something, such as information or a response.

insistently requested

Highlights the demanding and persistent nature of the request.

FAQs

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

You can use "kept prodding" to describe someone persistently encouraging or urging another to do something. For example, "The interviewer "kept prodding" the witness for more details about the event".

What are some alternatives to "kept prodding"?

Alternatives include phrases like "repeatedly prompted", "persisted in urging", or "continued to press", which can add variety to your writing.

Is "kept prodding" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "kept prodding" may sound informal in some contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "persistently inquired" or "repeatedly requested" depending on the specific situation.

What does "kept prodding" imply about the person being prodded?

"Kept prodding" often implies that the person being prodded was initially reluctant or hesitant to provide information or take action, requiring persistent encouragement.