kept sticking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept sticking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that repeatedly adheres or attaches to another surface or object, often in a frustrating or persistent manner. Example: "The label kept sticking to my fingers as I tried to peel it off the package."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"You kept sticking that pin in my bum".

The New York Times - Magazine

It was rather hard to dispatch one passage where a crucial repeated note fell on a key that kept sticking.

The New York Times - Arts

"I can't do this all night," Ms. McCartney laughed, sucking on the tiny finger Evelyn kept sticking in her mouth.

The New York Times - Style

"He told us he was documenting the condition of the flat, but he kept sticking the laptop in our faces".

The Guardian

Along the way, they kept sticking new seats into the Coliseum, eventually building skyboxes, and increasing the seating to 16,297.

The New York Times

People kept sticking things in front of him to sign: T-shirts (on and off girls' backs), a handbag, a lottery ticket, a flyer from a hair salon.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The existential reason for calling it quits was summed up by a Post-it note that Roth kept stuck on his computer: "The struggle with writing is over".

The New Yorker

"Because I keep sticking my neck out".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"But I'll keep sticking up.

The New York Times

– keep sticking his pen right through the heart the common people?

The Guardian - Music

"No — I'm 5!" Lyndsey protested, rallying with sufficient maturity to sell her story and keep sticking to it.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing recurring issues with mechanisms, use "kept sticking" to clearly convey repeated malfunction, such as "The key kept sticking in the lock".

Common error

While "kept sticking" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound informal. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "persistently adhered" or "repeatedly became lodged" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept sticking" functions as a verbal phrase, specifically a gerund phrase when used as a noun or part of a larger verb phrase. It describes a continuous or repetitive action of adhering or becoming lodged. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically sound and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

15%

Huffington Post

9%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kept sticking" is a grammatically correct and commonly used gerund phrase that describes a recurring problem of adhesion or becoming lodged. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread applicability. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context and choose more formal alternatives for professional writing. The phrase is frequently found in news and media sources, making it a suitable choice for descriptive writing when conveying persistent, often frustrating, issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained attached

Focuses on the state of being continuously fastened or joined.

persisted in adhering

Emphasizes the continuous and determined nature of the attachment.

continued to adhere

Highlights the uninterrupted continuation of sticking.

stayed fastened

Implies a constant, unbroken connection or attachment.

repeatedly got stuck

Focuses on the action of becoming lodged or impeded multiple times.

constantly jammed

Describes frequent blockages or impediments.

incessantly clung

Highlights a persistent and often unwanted attachment.

kept getting caught

Emphasizes the repeated action of being snared or trapped.

refused to detach

Emphasizes the unwillingness or inability to separate.

never came unstuck

Indicates a permanent or extremely persistent state of adhesion.

FAQs

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

You can use "kept sticking" to describe something that repeatedly adheres or becomes lodged. For instance, "The zipper "kept sticking", making it difficult to close my jacket."

What are some alternatives to "kept sticking"?

Alternatives include "remained attached", "continued to adhere", or "repeatedly got stuck", depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "kept sticking" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "kept sticking" may sound informal in certain formal contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "persistently adhered" or "repeatedly became lodged" to maintain a professional tone.

What does "kept sticking" mean?

"Kept sticking" means that something repeatedly adhered to a surface or became lodged, causing it to not move freely or function properly.