"he kept it moving" vs "he was keeping it moving"

Question

"he kept it moving" vs "he was keeping it moving"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'He was keeping it moving' is used to describe an ongoing action in the past, while 'he kept it moving' is used to describe a completed action in the past. The choice between the two depends on whether you want to emphasize the continuous nature of the action or simply state that the action was done.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

This phrase is used to describe an action that was completed in the past. It indicates that the action of keeping something moving was done.

Examples:

Despite the challenges, he kept the project moving forward.

Alternatives:

he continued to move it
he ensured it kept moving
he maintained the momentum
he sustained the pace

This phrase is used to describe a continuous action that was happening in the past. It emphasizes the ongoing nature of the action.

Examples:

During the party, he was keeping the conversation moving smoothly.

Alternatives:

he was maintaining the momentum
he was ensuring the progress
he was sustaining the pace
he was upholding the flow

Answer 1

he kept it moving

This phrase is correct and commonly used to describe a completed action in the past.

Answer 2

he was keeping it moving

This phrase is correct and commonly used to describe an ongoing action in the past.

"he kept it moving" vs "he was keeping it moving"

he kept it moving

he was keeping it moving

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