it keeps working

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it keeps working" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that continues to function or operate effectively over time. Example: "Despite the challenges we've faced, the old machine still keeps working without any issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It works and it keeps working.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"As long as it keeps working, I have no complaints".

The New York Times - Sports

"It keeps working even when the transaction load is very high".

The New York Times - Tech

The question is not whether the Global Fund works, but how to ensure it keeps working for years to come.

The New York Times

But they can get away with paying nothing only for the same reason so many sleazy guys keep trying to pick up women by insulting them: because it keeps working on someone.

The New York Times

She and others in the corporate travel world say they are concerned that President Obama's plan to appoint a top official to oversee the Internet has so far been focused on cybersecurity and privacy — important issues, of course — but with inadequate attention to shoring up the Internet infrastructure to make sure it keeps working under great pressure.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

It kept working on levels of disbelief.

The New Yorker

But it kept working even after that, and it developed a real following on Wall Street.

The New York Times

"When I did the first national American tour of Jersey Boys they kept being worried that it wasn't going to work – and it kept working.

Independent

But to this day I find sharp shards of it lodged in my memory: it kept working on me.

The Guardian

He just called it "speculating," and he kept doing it because it kept working.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it keeps working" to emphasize the unexpected or surprisingly consistent functionality of something, especially when there are reasons to believe it might fail or stop working.

Common error

While generally acceptable, overuse of "it keeps working" in highly formal or academic writing can make your prose sound less sophisticated. Consider more formal alternatives like "it remains operational" or "it continues to function effectively" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it keeps working" functions as a declarative statement asserting the continued operation or functionality of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is correct in English. Examples show it describing systems, strategies, or even personal habits that persistently yield results.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it keeps working" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the sustained functionality or effectiveness of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is particularly prevalent in news and media contexts, conveying reliability and persistence. While suitable for general use, more formal alternatives like "it remains operational" or "it continues to function" may be preferred in academic or highly professional settings. When using "it keeps working", consider emphasizing the surprising or unexpected nature of the continued operation. Remember to avoid overusing this phrase in formal writing to maintain a sophisticated tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it remains effective

This alternative emphasizes the continued efficacy of something, highlighting that it still produces the desired result.

it continues to function

This phrase focuses on the ongoing operational state of something, without necessarily implying success or effectiveness.

it is still operational

This suggests that something is in a working condition and available for use.

it's still effective

Shortened version of "it remains effective", maintains a similar meaning but it's more informal.

it has not failed

This phrase highlights the absence of failure, implying successful operation over a period of time.

it is still running

This implies that something is still in progress, or the operation continues, particularly a machine or program.

it endures

Emphasizes the lasting nature of its functionality, often against challenges or difficulties.

it persists

Suggests a stubborn or determined continuation of function, even when there are reasons it shouldn't.

it's holding up

This is a more casual way of saying that something is still functioning adequately, despite potential wear or stress.

it's going strong

Implies that something is not only still working, but doing so with vigor and effectiveness.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it keeps working" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "it remains effective", "it continues to function", or "it remains operational".

Is "it keeps working" suitable for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "it keeps working" may be too informal for academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "it maintains its functionality" or "it remains effective".

What does "it keeps working" imply?

"It keeps working" implies that something continues to function or operate effectively, often despite challenges or expectations to the contrary. It suggests a degree of reliability and persistence.

When is it appropriate to use "it keeps working"?

Use "it keeps working" when you want to emphasize the sustained functionality of something, especially when its continued operation is notable or surprising. It is suitable for general, news, and less formal business contexts.