kept walking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept walking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone continuing to walk without stopping, often in a narrative or descriptive context. Example: "After the argument, she simply turned away and kept walking, not looking back."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

The woman kept walking.

The New Yorker

I kept walking around.

The New Yorker

Flynn kept walking.

The New Yorker

He waved and kept walking.

The New Yorker

Jessica kept walking into winter.

The New Yorker

He smiled and kept walking.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Keep walking".

The New York Times

Keep walking, friend.

Independent

"Keep walking, Brazil".

The New York Times

Keep walking into people.

Independent

He keeps walking toward us.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Enhance the impact of "kept walking" by adding descriptive details about the environment or the character's emotional state. For example: "Despite the pouring rain, she kept walking, her head held high."

Common error

Avoid using "kept walking" in situations where continuous movement is not relevant or intended. For instance, describing someone who is generally active might be better suited with phrases like "enjoys walking" or "walks frequently" instead of "kept walking".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept walking" functions as a verb phrase indicating the continuation of the action of walking. It is used to describe someone's persistence in moving forward on foot. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kept walking" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression signifying the continuation of the act of walking. Ludwig AI confirms this, pointing out its broad applicability. Its strength lies in conveying persistence, determination, or a purposeful forward motion across diverse contexts, primarily within news and media. When writing, be mindful of overusing it in situations requiring static descriptions, and consider descriptive enhancements to amplify its impact. The alternative phrases and the provided writing guidance will help make you more creative and smart, as our goal is to prevent writers from following in a typical mistake associated with "kept walking".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continued walking

Emphasizes the uninterrupted nature of the walking action.

carried on walking

Suggests a continuation of the walking action after an interruption or pause.

persisted in walking

Highlights the determination to continue walking despite potential obstacles.

proceeded on foot

Focuses on the method of movement being walking, suggesting a deliberate choice.

moved onward

Indicates a forward progression, with less emphasis on the manner of movement.

advanced steadily

Highlights the consistent and gradual progress made while walking.

maintained pace

Emphasizes the consistency of speed during the walking action.

persevered in movement

Highlights the effort and determination to keep moving, including walking.

went along

Offers a simpler, more casual way to describe continuous walking.

remained in motion

Focuses on the state of continuous movement, without specifying walking directly.

FAQs

What does "kept walking" imply in a narrative?

In a narrative, "kept walking" often implies determination, persistence, or a deliberate choice to ignore distractions or obstacles. It can also indicate a character's emotional state or their focus on a particular goal.

How can I make my writing more descriptive when using "kept walking"?

Enhance your writing by adding details about the character's surroundings, their emotional state, or the physical sensations they are experiencing. For example, instead of saying "He kept walking", you could say "He kept walking, his boots crunching on the frozen ground, his breath misting in the frigid air."

What are some alternatives to "kept walking" that emphasize different aspects of the action?

Alternatives like "continued walking" emphasize the uninterrupted nature of the action, while "persisted in walking" highlights determination. Other options include "proceeded on foot", "moved onward", or "carried on walking" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "kept walking" and "keeps walking"?

"Kept walking" is in the past tense, describing a completed action, while "keeps walking" is in the present tense, describing a habitual or ongoing action. The choice depends on whether you are referring to a specific event in the past or a recurring behavior.