we kept on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we kept on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the continuation of an action or behavior over a period of time. Example: "Despite the challenges we faced, we kept on working towards our goal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We kept on, though.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But then we kept on walking.

The New York Times

So we kept on talking.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He didn't like that, but we kept on talking to him.

The Guardian - Sport

We kept on fighting the regime until the whole of Syria was demolished.

The Guardian

But we kept on because... because... because Mayor Giuliani told us to.

The New York Times - Sports

But we kept on going because we knew this was probably our last hurrah".

The Guardian - Music

"All credit to Swindon, they played really well but we kept on going and never gave up.

The Guardian - Sport

Of course, we did do those things, and we kept on doing them over and over, and doing worse.

The New Yorker

We knew it, but we kept on doing more of the same".

Forbes

But we kept on going because the fame and all that stuff was not the reason for doing it.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When precision is critical, consider alternatives like "we continued to" or "we persisted in", especially in formal or academic contexts, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "we kept on" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in formal documents or academic papers. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "we continued to analyze" or "we persisted in our efforts" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we kept on" functions as a phrasal verb indicating the continuation of an action or state. It combines the pronoun "we" with the verb "keep" and the particle "on" to express the idea of persisting or not stopping as shown in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we kept on" is a versatile expression used to indicate the continuation of an action or state, often implying persistence in the face of challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. While common in news and media, as well as general conversation, it is crucial to use it judiciously in more formal writing, opting for alternatives like "we continued to" or "we persisted in" for a more polished tone. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and contextually appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we kept going

Similar meaning but more emphatic on the continuous aspect of the action.

we continued to

Replaces "kept on" with a more formal verb, suitable for academic or professional writing.

we carried on

A common alternative, especially in British English, implying continuation despite difficulty.

we went on

A simple and direct synonym for "we kept on", suitable for informal contexts.

we persisted in

Emphasizes determination and overcoming obstacles while continuing.

we proceeded with

Suggests a more planned and deliberate continuation of an action.

we pressed on

Implies urgency and a strong desire to reach a goal while continuing.

we moved forward

Focuses on progress and advancement while continuing an action.

we didn't stop

Highlights the lack of interruption or cessation of the action.

we maintained

Focuses on upholding a standard or condition by continuous effort.

FAQs

What does "we kept on" mean?

"We kept on" means that a group of people continued doing something without stopping. It implies persistence and can suggest that they faced challenges but did not give up.

What can I say instead of "we kept on"?

You can use alternatives like "we continued to", "we carried on", or "we persisted in", depending on the context. These options offer varying degrees of formality and emphasis.

Is it correct to say "we kept on going"?

Yes, "we kept on going" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It is similar in meaning to "we kept on" but emphasizes the continuous nature of the action.

How formal is the phrase "we kept on"?

The phrase "we kept on" is generally considered informal to neutral in tone. For more formal writing, consider using alternatives like "we continued to" or "we persisted in".