kept tapping

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept tapping" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a repetitive action of tapping, often in the context of someone tapping their fingers or an object repeatedly. Example: "She was so nervous during the meeting that she kept tapping her pen on the table."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

I kept tapping.

The New York Times - Magazine

It just kept tapping away.

The New York Times

"They kept tapping on the window and saying, 'Designer, Designer!

The New York Times

People kept tapping Woodfox's shoulder, an experience he found frightening.

The New Yorker

His expression didn't change, but he kept tapping the fingers of his left hand lightly on the counter, like a pianist checking the keys.

The New Yorker

"I actually kept tapping them to check if they were really rocks," one commenter wrote on the Park Slope Parents Web site.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Keep tapping.

The Guardian - Travel

His biggest worry is that Ford must keep tapping the market to roll over its debt.

The Economist

But Mitt keeps tapping the solid bits and claiming that it's water-tight.

The Guardian

"She said he's too lazy," Carter recalled, "and he just sits back there and she keeps tapping him".

The New York Times - Sports

"We've just got to make sure we keep tapping into that emotional well and keep producing big performances.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kept tapping" to describe a repeated, often rhythmic, action. It implies a continuous or habitual behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "kept tapping" excessively in a single passage. Vary your descriptions with synonyms like "continued to tap" or "repeatedly tapped" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept tapping" functions as a verb phrase indicating a continuous action in the past. As Ludwig AI shows, it describes someone repeatedly striking a surface or object with a light, quick motion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "kept tapping" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe a repeated action in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not exceedingly common, it is used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Wiki, and Science. The phrase often conveys a sense of nervousness, impatience, or rhythm. When writing, ensure you don't overuse it, and consider alternatives like "continued to tap" or "repeatedly tapped" for stylistic variation. By understanding its nuances and contexts, you can effectively use "kept tapping" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continued tapping

Focuses on the continuation of the action of tapping.

persisted in tapping

Emphasizes the persistence or determination in the act of tapping.

repeatedly tapped

Highlights the repetitive nature of the tapping.

maintained a tapping motion

Emphasizes the continuous and steady nature of the tapping.

would tap continuously

Suggests a habitual or frequent action of tapping.

rhythmically tapped

Indicates that the tapping had a rhythmic quality.

incessantly tapped

Highlights the uninterrupted nature of the tapping.

habitually tapped

Suggests that the tapping was a habit.

constantly tapped

Emphasizes the continual occurrence of the tapping.

went on tapping

Indicates that the tapping action was prolonged or ongoing.

FAQs

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

You can use "kept tapping" to describe a repeated action, such as "He "kept tapping" his fingers nervously on the table".

What are some alternatives to "kept tapping"?

Alternatives include "continued to tap", "repeatedly tapped", or "persisted in tapping". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "kept tapping"?

Yes, "kept tapping" is grammatically correct. "Kept" is the past tense of "keep", and "tapping" is the present participle, forming a continuous aspect.

What's the difference between "kept tapping" and "continued tapping"?

"Kept tapping" and "continued tapping" are very similar, but "kept tapping" may imply a slightly more habitual or nervous action, while "continued tapping" simply emphasizes the ongoing nature of the tapping.