but they always refused vs but they kept refusing

Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. 'But they always refused' implies a consistent refusal in the past, while 'But they kept refusing' suggests a repeated or ongoing refusal. The choice between them depends on the specific context and the nuance the speaker wants to convey.

Last updated: March 15, 2024 • 1968 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate a consistent refusal in the past.

"but they always refused"

This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone consistently refused something in the past. It implies a repeated action of refusal.

Examples:

I offered to help, but they always refused my assistance.
He tried to apologize, but they always refused to forgive him.

Show examples from the web [+]

Jul 18, 2011 ... More than once I recall begging my parents to let me bring a PBJ sandwich to school on Fridays, but they always refused – one of many ...
Jan 25, 2012 ... “We have invited the opposition several times to take part in the national dialogue and negotiations, but they always refused,” said Abdul-Aziz ...
For months, I have begged them to help me stir the sauce or pour ingredients, but they always refused. Now, both girls are begging me at every single meal to ...
Jul 27, 2014 ... I hounded them nightly to “teach me just one thing” but they always refused. Finally, in the wee hours of a Saturday night in 1989 after everyone ...

Alternatives:

but they consistently refused
but they repeatedly refused

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate a repeated or ongoing refusal.

"but they kept refusing "

This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone kept refusing something repeatedly or continuously. It implies a persistent action of refusal.

Examples:

I offered to help, but they kept refusing my assistance.
He tried to apologize, but they kept refusing to forgive him.

Show examples from the web [+]

Nov 15, 2013 ... ... of wellness—especially a compound shown to keep DNA from fragmenting during cell reproduction—but they kept refusing to play nice with ...
I tried multiple times, but they kept refusing to honor the warranty, instead, telling me to just return it to Amazon. This case does a good job of protecting the tablet, ...
May 21, 2014 ... I pleaded for an answer but they kept refusing to give the reason… they said that we will revert back to you in the coming month or month and a ...
Dec 22, 2014 ... He pestered the British to let him invade, but they kept refusing. However things changed when the British puppet state of Iraq revolted, and the ...

Alternatives:

but they continued to refuse
but they persistently refused

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but they always refused vs but they kept refusing