kept trying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept trying" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a continuous effort or persistence in attempting to achieve something despite difficulties or failures. Example: "Even after several setbacks, she kept trying until she finally succeeded."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He just kept trying.

The New York Times

Barclays kept trying.

The New York Times

They kept trying.

The New York Times

The student kept trying.

The New York Times - Science

We kept trying.

The New Yorker

I kept trying.

The New York Times

"He kept trying.

The Guardian

But he kept trying.

The New York Times - Health

So I kept trying.

The New York Times - Health

So he kept trying.

The New Yorker

Because I was new, I kept trying.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kept trying" to emphasize repeated attempts in the face of difficulty. It effectively conveys persistence and determination.

Common error

Avoid monotonous writing by varying sentence structure when using "kept trying". Instead of repeating "He kept trying", consider phrases like "Despite setbacks, he persisted" or "She persevered in her efforts".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept trying" functions as a verb phrase indicating continuous effort or repeated attempts. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in describing persistence in various situations, such as overcoming challenges or pursuing goals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

6%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kept trying" is a versatile verb phrase used to emphasize continuous effort and persistence, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its grammatical correctness and wide usage across various contexts, especially in news and media, make it a reliable choice for conveying determination. To enhance writing, vary sentence structure and consider alternatives like "persisted" or "persevered" to avoid monotony. Remember to use "kept trying" to effectively highlight the repeated attempts and resilience of an individual or group.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

didn't give up

Simple and direct expression of resilience.

persisted

Focuses on unwavering continuation despite obstacles, more concise.

carried on

Similar to persisted, with a sense of enduring or surviving.

persevered

Highlights steadfastness and determination, implying difficulty.

continued to strive

Emphasizes ambitious effort and forward movement.

pressed on

Suggests forward movement with effort, less about repetition.

stuck with it

Informal way to express loyalty and persistence to the action.

remained committed

Highlights dedication and loyalty to a goal.

maintained effort

Highlights consistent exertion of energy.

never ceased attempting

Formal phrasing, emphasizes the continuation and resolution.

FAQs

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

You can use "kept trying" to describe someone's continuous effort despite challenges. For example, "Even though the experiment failed multiple times, she "kept trying" until she achieved a breakthrough."

What are some alternatives to "kept trying"?

You can use alternatives like "persisted", "persevered", or "didn't give up" to convey a similar meaning of continuous effort.

Is it correct to say "keeps trying" instead of "kept trying"?

"Keeps trying" refers to present or habitual actions, while "kept trying" refers to a past, continuous effort. For example, "He keeps trying to improve his skills" (present), vs. "He "kept trying" even when faced with numerous failures" (past).

What is the difference between "kept trying" and "tried to"?

"Tried to" indicates an attempt, while "kept trying" emphasizes repeated attempts over a period of time. "She tried to solve the problem" suggests a single attempt, while "She "kept trying" to solve the problem" suggests multiple attempts.