kept touching

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept touching" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a repeated action of making contact with something or someone, often in a physical or emotional context. Example: "She kept touching the fabric of the dress, feeling its texture as she contemplated her purchase."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

It kept hurting, every time he kept touching me".

The New Yorker

Chen was glassy-eyed; he kept touching his watch.

The New Yorker

Another attendee had kept touching her on the leg.

The New Yorker

"She kept opening her wallet and smudging her nails and I kept touching them up".

The New York Times

I kept touching and examining things, thinking I might find some secret teleportation button on them.

The New York Times

I'd expected her to disagree, but she kept touching my hair, her hands passing through it till my scalp tingled.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

"Paul keeps touching people's lives," she said.

The New York Times

If you keep touching it, the horse may kick you.

WikiHow

See if her hands keep touching her face.

WikiHow

They keep touch with reality by surfing the Internet.

Forbes

Keep all touching to a minimum.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "kept touching", be mindful of the context and connotations. The phrase can describe innocent curiosity, affectionate gestures, or even unwanted physical contact, so choose your words carefully to convey the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "kept touching" in contexts where the intent is unclear. If describing a sensitive situation, provide sufficient context to clarify whether the touching was welcome or unwelcome. Vague descriptions can lead to misinterpretations and unintended implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept touching" functions primarily as a verb phrase, specifically a verb in the past continuous tense. It describes an ongoing action in the past. Ludwig's examples show it used to describe both neutral actions (examining an object) and more intimate or potentially problematic behaviors.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

91%

Wiki

6%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kept touching" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a repeated action of making physical contact. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is primarily used in news and media contexts and can convey various meanings depending on the surrounding context. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity and sensitivity, as it can be interpreted differently depending on the situation described. Consider alternatives like "continued to touch" or "repeatedly touched" for different nuances. Be mindful of the context to avoid ambiguity and ensure your intended meaning is clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continued to touch

Focuses on the continuation of the action of touching, emphasizing persistence.

persisted in touching

Highlights the determination or insistence in performing the action of touching.

repeatedly touched

Emphasizes the multiple instances of touching.

wouldn't stop touching

Implies a lack of control or unwillingness to cease the touching action.

maintained contact with

Suggests a sustained connection or interaction through touch.

remained in contact with

Similar to 'maintained contact with', indicating ongoing physical connection.

lightly brushed

Indicates a gentle, repeated touching motion.

grazed repeatedly

Suggests a brief, light touching action that occurs multiple times.

incessantly fondled

Implies a more intimate or insistent form of touching, potentially with a sensual connotation.

constantly caressed

Suggests a gentle and affectionate form of repeated touching.

FAQs

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

You can use "kept touching" to describe a repeated action of making contact with something or someone. For example, "She "kept touching" the fabric, feeling its texture."

What are some alternatives to "kept touching"?

Alternatives include "continued to touch", "repeatedly touched", or "persisted in touching" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "kept touching" appropriate in formal writing?

Yes, "kept touching" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but consider whether a more precise or descriptive alternative might be more suitable depending on the context. Terms like "maintained contact with" could be preferable in certain cases.

How can I avoid ambiguity when using "kept touching"?

Provide sufficient context to clarify the intent and nature of the touching. For example, specify whether the touching was gentle, insistent, welcome, or unwelcome to avoid misinterpretations. For example: "He "kept touching" her arm gently."