kept working

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept working" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who continues to perform a task or activity over a period of time, often despite challenges or interruptions. Example: "Even when the power went out, she kept working on her project by candlelight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Yet he kept working.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The team kept working.

The New Yorker

And he kept working.

The New York Times

"I just kept working".

The New York Times

I kept working every day".

The New York Times - Sports

I just kept working hard".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

"Keep working.

Independent

I just keep working".

The New York Times - Sports

So you keep working.

The New York Times - Sports

We have to keep working".

The New York Times - Sports

I have to keep working.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when choosing between "kept working" and alternatives like "continued working" or "persisted in working". The latter may imply greater difficulty or resistance.

Common error

While "kept working" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal or academic writing can make your prose sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "continued", "persisted", or more specific verbs describing the work being done.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept working" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the continuation of an action. It typically follows a subject and expresses the idea that someone or something persisted in their work. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Formal & Business

13%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kept working" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that effectively conveys the idea of continued effort and persistence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in a wide range of contexts. While appropriate for most situations, writers should consider the formality of the context and choose synonyms like "continued to work" or "persisted in working" for more academic or formal writing. The phrase frequently appears in news and media, reflecting its relevance in describing ongoing efforts in various fields. Remember to use "kept working" to emphasize the continuation of effort, particularly when facing obstacles. Ludwig's examples clearly show that "kept working" implies dedication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continued to work

This alternative is a more formal and direct synonym, emphasizing the act of continuing an action.

persisted in working

This alternative emphasizes determination and overcoming obstacles.

persevered with the work

This alternative stresses resilience and determination in the face of challenges.

carried on working

This emphasizes continuing the work despite interruptions or difficulties.

remained at work

This suggests staying in the work environment, with less emphasis on the effort itself.

never stopped working

Highlights the continuous nature of the work, emphasizing a lack of breaks or pauses.

labored on

This implies a more strenuous and prolonged effort.

toiled away

This suggests continuous hard work over a long period, often in a tedious manner.

plugged away

This is an informal way to say someone is steadily and diligently working, despite difficulties.

stayed employed

This focuses on maintaining employment rather than the specific act of working.

FAQs

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

You can use "kept working" to describe someone's continued effort on a task, even when facing difficulties. For example, "Despite the setbacks, she "kept working" on her novel until it was finished."

What are some alternatives to "kept working"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "continued working", "persisted in working", or "remained at work".

Is "kept working" formal or informal?

"Kept working" is suitable for most contexts, including neutral and informal writing. For highly formal or academic writing, consider alternatives like "continued to work" or "persevered".

What does "kept working" imply?

"Kept working" implies a conscious effort to continue a task, especially when there are reasons to stop or give up. It suggests perseverance and dedication.