keep after

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep after" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used as a phrase meaning to keep pursuing something. Example: I will keep after the truth until I find out who was responsible for the theft.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

For me that's one of the things that I feel like you keep after, you sort of keep on using….I tend to use it in other situations as well.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

"We'll keep after them," he said.

The New York Times

"That's why you have to keep after it, poking away".

The New York Times

It has developed a culture where professors keep after students.

The New York Times

Pronouncing herself "astonished," Collins said she would keep after Sullivan to treat the matter more seriously.

The New York Times

My second thought was he had an appointment to keep after the show.

The New York Times

He prepares elaborate haute cuisine menus; they keep after him for Chinese food.

The New York Times - Books

"You have to keep after it or else it gets out of control," Seibel said.

The New York Times - Sports

"If you don't keep after something, you sometimes get forgotten," Mrs. Crane said.

The New York Times

"If you don't keep after these fellows all the time," he said, they get dirty as kids".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

There were a few signs of hope at the rally when City Council members said they would fight to keep after-school financing in the budget.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep after", clarify the object of your persistence. For example, specify what you are keeping after (e.g., "keep after the project deadline" or "keep after the team to meet goals").

Common error

Avoid using "keep after" in highly formal or academic writing where more sophisticated or precise language might be expected. Opt for terms like "persist in", "continue to pursue", or "maintain commitment" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep after" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating continuous effort or persistence in pursuing a goal or ensuring a task is completed. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correct and usable status in English. For example, it can be used to describe professors who "keep after" students or to convey the need to "keep after" something to prevent it from getting out of control.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep after" is a phrasal verb used to express continuous effort or persistence in pursuing a goal or ensuring a task is completed. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While generally neutral in tone and appropriate for various contexts, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or scientific writing. Common contexts for its use include news media, science, and general discussions. Remember to clarify the object of your persistence when using the phrase and consider the level of formality required by the writing situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persist in

Focuses on continuous effort despite obstacles.

continue to pursue

Highlights the ongoing nature of the attempt.

remain committed to

Emphasizes dedication and adherence to a goal.

stay on top of

Suggests maintaining control and vigilance over a situation.

doggedly pursue

Implies relentless and determined pursuit.

follow through on

Stresses the completion and fulfillment of a commitment.

press on with

Emphasizes forward movement and continuation.

persevere with

Highlights endurance and steadfastness.

not give up on

Focuses on refusing to abandon an objective.

stick with it

Suggests maintaining dedication over time, often informally.

FAQs

How can I use "keep after" in a sentence?

The phrase "keep after" implies continuous effort. For example, "You have to "keep after" the details to ensure accuracy", or "She had to "keep after" him to finish his homework".

What does it mean to "keep after" someone?

To "keep after" someone means to persistently urge or remind them to do something. It implies a continuous effort to ensure that a task is completed or a standard is maintained.

What are some alternatives to "keep after"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "persist in", "continue to pursue", or "stay on top of".

When is it appropriate to use "keep after"?

"Keep after" is suitable in informal or neutral contexts where you want to convey a sense of continuous effort or urging. It might be less appropriate in highly formal or academic settings.