keep at it

USAGE SUMMARY

'keep at it' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to encourage someone to keep trying or trying harder in order to reach a goal. For example, you could say, "You're having trouble understanding this math problem? Keep at it - I'm sure you'll figure it out!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

First, keep at it.

The New York Times

Why keep at it?

The New York Times - Sports

We'll keep at it.

The New Yorker

"Well, keep at it".

The New Yorker

Keep at it!

The New York Times

3. Keep at it!

The Guardian - Books

You just have to keep at it.

The New Yorker

"We would like to keep at it".

The New York Times - Sports

"I just keep at it," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

I wanted to keep at it".

The New York Times

"Keep at it," says another.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep at it" when you want to offer encouragement and emphasize the importance of persistence in achieving a goal. For example, "Learning a new language is challenging, but if you "keep at it", you'll see progress."

Common error

While "keep at it" is a useful expression, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "persist", "persevere", or "don't give up" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

Keep at it functions primarily as an encouraging imperative. It's a direct and concise way to urge someone to maintain effort and determination towards a goal. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

24%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science

6%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep at it" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to encourage persistence. Ludwig AI highlights its positive connotation and usability across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, it also appears in Academic writing, albeit less frequently. When writing, remember that while "keep at it" is versatile, being mindful of overuse and substituting it with appropriate alternatives like "persist" or "persevere" can improve writing style and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

don't give up

A common and direct encouragement to maintain effort.

hang in there

Offers encouragement during a difficult or uncertain period.

persevere

Implies a more significant challenge and a determined effort to overcome it.

persist

A shorter, more direct way to convey the idea of continuing despite difficulty.

hold on

Similar to "hang in there" but can also imply physical effort.

press on

Suggests moving forward with determination despite obstacles.

stay the course

Suggests maintaining the current path or strategy.

continue striving

Emphasizes the effort and ambition involved in pursuing a goal.

carry on

A more formal way to say "continue".

maintain your efforts

Highlights the importance of consistency and sustained activity.

FAQs

How can I use "keep at it" in a sentence?

You can use "keep at it" to encourage someone to continue their efforts, as in, "The project is difficult, but you need to "keep at it" to succeed".

What are some alternative phrases to "keep at it"?

Alternatives to "keep at it" include "persist", "persevere", or "don't give up". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is "keep at it" appropriate for formal writing?

While "keep at it" is widely understood, it's generally more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "continue to work" or "persevere" for a more professional tone.

What does it mean to "keep at it"?

To "keep at it" means to continue working or trying to achieve something, even when faced with challenges or setbacks. It emphasizes the importance of persistence and dedication.