kept working on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept working on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the ongoing effort or persistence in completing a task or project over a period of time. Example: "Despite the challenges, she kept working on her novel until it was finished."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Each night he kept working on the strips, one way, he said, that he keeps his mind off how much has been sunk into his dream.

The New York Times

"I started to think about what could happen if I kept working on all those one per cents where I could improve," she says.

The Guardian - Sport

I started one and brought it home and ever since then I kept working on it.

Vice

It kept working on levels of disbelief.

The New Yorker

"I just kept working on mechanics.

The New York Times - Sports

Jeffrey kept working on his venison.

The New York Times - Magazine

But the carpet -- the carpet we just kept working on".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

So I will keep working on it.

The New York Times

Sorry, Terry — we'll keep working on it!

The New York Times

He keeps working on it.

The New York Times - Sports

You have to keep working on it".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing iterative processes, "kept working on" suggests ongoing refinement and improvement, making it ideal for highlighting the evolution of a project.

Common error

Avoid using "kept working on" when simpler verbs like "worked on" or "developed" suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive or unnecessarily emphatic in straightforward situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept working on" functions as a verb phrase indicating the continuation of an action, emphasizing the sustained effort applied to a specific task or project. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and grammatically correct expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kept working on" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies continuous effort and dedication. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and widespread applicability. The phrase is particularly common in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, conveying persistence and commitment to a task or project. While versatile, avoid overusing it in simplistic situations where shorter alternatives would suffice. For nuanced expression, consider related phrases like "continued to develop" or "persisted in developing". Overall, "kept working on" effectively communicates sustained effort and ongoing refinement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continued to develop

Focuses on the ongoing development aspect, rather than just the work itself.

persisted in developing

Emphasizes the persistence and determination in the development process.

carried on developing

Implies an uninterrupted continuation of the development process.

maintained efforts on

Highlights the sustained effort directed towards a specific task or project.

remained dedicated to

Focuses on the dedication aspect of continuing the work.

stayed committed to

Emphasizes the commitment and adherence to the work or project.

kept at improving

Highlights the continuous effort to enhance or improve something.

never stopped improving

Stresses the relentlessness of the improvement process.

persevered with

Emphasizes the perseverance and resilience in continuing the work.

pushed forward with

Implies a proactive and forceful continuation of the work despite challenges.

FAQs

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

You can use "kept working on" to describe a continuous effort or dedication to a task, such as "She "kept working on" her novel despite numerous rejections."

What are some alternatives to "kept working on"?

Alternatives include "continued to develop", "persisted in developing", or "carried on developing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "kept working on" formal or informal?

"Kept working on" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "kept working on" and "worked on"?

"Worked on" simply indicates that effort was put into something. "Kept working on" emphasizes the continuous and sustained nature of that effort over a period of time.