kept wasting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept wasting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a continuous action of wasting something over a period of time. Example: "He kept wasting his time on unproductive activities instead of focusing on his goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Johnson threw on his replacements but England kept wasting what good field possession they could work.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Why they keep wasting all that time with the actual contests is beyond me.

The New York Times

A temporary tax surcharge on wealthy New Yorkers makes sense, but it should not drive too much revenue away or allow the Legislature to keep wasting funds.

The New York Times

They should clearly put what the requirements are so we don't keep wasting our time searching, or theirs applying for a course with the wrong A-levels".

The Guardian

"We can let police prevent violent crime, or we can accept the status quo, and keep wasting resources sending tens of thousands of nonviolent marijuana consumers — a disproportionate number who are minorities — to jail," Dr. Elders wrote.

The New York Times

Cutting waste to save money may be a powerful motivator for businesses and families, but as a global society, we simply cannot afford – financially, environmentally or morally – to keep wasting perfectly good food at our current rate.

The Guardian

It's Kamran, Inhuman and Pakistani American, who bends his evil eyebrows and assures Kamala: "There's no reason to keep wasting your energy to protect people who don't believe what you believe.

The Guardian - Books

I'd say it;s beacause Evans and Nani keep wasting possession and Evans does it again and Salageanu whips in a fizzing cross that De Gea clutches to his chest.

The Guardian - Sport

Daum could yet imagine a scenario where his team saved themselves from the drop while the champions, hampered by the combined effects of "yellow fever" (Süddeutsche Zeitung) in the city and alcohol, would keep wasting chances.

The Guardian - Sport

No. Well, then don't keep wasting our time with the gloomy backstories Platform Heels Yes, they're easy to walk in and look good, but we're sick to death of being the tallest person in the room - looming over men is not a good look Keane's Makeover Guys - why have you put nu-rave jackets on?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Why keep wasting tax money on these studies -- money that could be put to much more effective use in public health areas crying out for financing, like anti-tobacco education for our young people, messages aimed at improving adult immunizations and increased use of seat belts and bike helmets?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "kept wasting", ensure the subject and object are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify what resources or opportunities were continuously wasted.

Common error

Avoid using "kept wasting" when referring to a single, isolated instance of waste. This phrase implies a repeated or ongoing action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept wasting" functions as a verb phrase indicating a continuous, past action of using something inefficiently or squandering resources. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly describes a repetitive action of wasting.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kept wasting" is a grammatically sound and usable verb phrase that describes a continuous action of wasting resources or opportunities. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. While generally neutral in tone, it often carries a negative connotation, expressing disapproval of the inefficiency. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, and while correct, it's less frequent than other similar expressions. Remember to consider more formal alternatives like "continued to squander" for professional settings, and ensure the context clearly indicates an ongoing pattern of wastage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continued squandering

Emphasizes the reckless and wasteful nature of the action over time.

persisted in squandering

Highlights the stubborn continuation of wasteful behavior.

repeatedly misused

Focuses on the incorrect or inappropriate use of resources.

consistently depleted

Stresses the gradual reduction of something due to continuous waste.

habitually squandered

Implies that wasting has become a regular habit.

incessantly frittered away

Highlights the continuous and careless spending or losing of something valuable.

unremittingly dissipated

Conveys a sense of relentless and unrestrained wasting.

chronically misused

Suggests a long-term pattern of improper or inefficient use.

steadily depleted

Emphasizes the gradual and consistent reduction through wastage.

constantly exhausted

Focuses on the continuous depletion of resources.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "kept wasting" to sound more formal?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "continued to squander", "persisted in misusing", or "repeatedly depleted resources". These alternatives offer a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "kept losing" and "kept wasting"?

"Kept losing" suggests repeatedly failing to retain something, while "kept wasting" implies inefficient or unnecessary consumption or expenditure. The former focuses on loss, and the latter on misuse.

Is it always negative to say someone "kept wasting" something?

Yes, the phrase "kept wasting" generally carries a negative connotation, suggesting inefficiency, irresponsibility, or a lack of foresight in how resources are used.

When is it appropriate to use "kept wasting" in writing?

Use "kept wasting" when you want to emphasize the continuous and often detrimental nature of using something ineffectively or carelessly over a period of time. Ensure the context supports the idea of repeated wastage.