kept telling

USAGE SUMMARY

"kept telling" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate repeated action in the past. For example: "My mother kept telling me to do my homework."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He kept telling me to back up.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Stay awake, baby," she kept telling him.

The New York Times - Health

"I kept telling Choo: 'You're special.

The New York Times - Sports

That was what I kept telling myself.

The New York Times

"I kept telling myself: 'Wait and watch.

The New York Times - Sports

"I just kept telling myself: 'Focus!

The New York Times - Sports

This was silly, I kept telling myself.

The New York Times - Travel

They kept telling us vibrators, vibrators.

The New York Times

"They kept telling me: 'She's young.

The New York Times

I kept telling myself, 'Fundamentals.

The New York Times - Sports

It's only hair, I kept telling myself.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kept telling" to emphasize the repetitive nature of a communication, advice, or instruction. This highlights the persistence or insistence behind the message.

Common error

While "kept telling" is common, avoid overusing it in formal writing. In professional or academic contexts, consider more sophisticated synonyms such as "repeatedly advised", "consistently informed", or "persistently maintained" for a more refined tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept telling" functions as a verb phrase indicating a repeated action in the past. It highlights the continuous nature of giving information, advice, or instructions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Kept telling" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe a repeated action of providing information, advice, or instructions. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's frequently used in news and media, indicating its broad applicability. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to consider more formal alternatives in professional or academic writing. The related phrases and writing guidance offer valuable insights for effective and varied communication. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and widespread use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kept repeating

Similar to "repeatedly said" but emphasizes the cyclical nature of the communication.

frequently mentioned

Indicates that something was brought up often, but not necessarily with the intent to instruct or advise.

repeatedly said

Focuses on the act of saying multiple times, without necessarily implying instruction or urging.

repeatedly urged

Stresses the strong encouragement given multiple times.

continuously reminded

Emphasizes the act of bringing something back to someone's attention over time.

insisted on saying

Highlights the persistence in saying something, often against opposition or doubt.

persistently advised

Focuses on giving advice repeatedly, implying a proactive and guiding role.

reiterated

Implies a formal restatement or emphasis of a previous statement.

regularly informed

Highlights the consistent provision of information.

maintained

Suggests a consistent assertion of a belief or statement over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "kept telling" to describe someone repeatedly giving information or instructions, such as "My coach "kept telling" me to focus on my breathing during the race".

What are some alternatives to "kept telling"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "repeatedly said", "insisted on saying", or "continuously reminded" as alternatives to "kept telling".

Is "kept telling" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "kept telling" may sound informal in some contexts. Consider using alternatives like "repeatedly advised" or "consistently informed" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "kept telling" and "told repeatedly"?

"Kept telling" emphasizes the continuous and ongoing nature of the action, whereas "told repeatedly" simply indicates that the telling happened more than once. The former suggests persistence or insistence.