keep at work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep at work" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used to suggest maintaining focus or continuing to work on a task. Example: "Despite the challenges, I will keep at work until the project is completed."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

I shall keep at work and interested while it lasts though not caring very much for how long".

Encyclopedia Britannica

If unhealthy snacking is an issue, make sure you buy some healthy snacks such as fruit, nuts and yogurt to keep at work that become your habit rather than a trip to the office vending machine.

Independent

"You must ask the hard questions like, 'What kind of hours am I expected to keep at work?' and 'Are there any opportunities for work at home or to work different hours?'" he said.

BBC

I think I learnt later that they have no idea about back problems........I haven't been off sick with my back - because I do part-time anyway so I try and take it easy during the day, and then I can keep at work.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

(In fact, they were often in the pub, and wearing their spare jacket, kept at work for that purpose).

Independent

In theater terminology, the period is "10-out-of-12 days," when the actors may be kept at work for 10 hours out of a maximum of 12.

The New York Times

While Swinburne kept up his poetry, Watts remained notorious for his complete immersion in his work, although it seems no one knew exactly what he kept at work at.

The New Yorker

They were kept at work analyzing the data they had.

Science Magazine

Orders were given in 1551 to send bows, arrows and the ingredients required to make gunpowder to the islands, where construction teams were kept at work throughout 1552.

Wikipedia

My advice is keep at it, work hard, you will get there eventually.

The Guardian

So just keep at it and work hard.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep at work", ensure the context clearly indicates continued effort or focus on a specific task or job. Consider alternatives like "continue working" for broader applications.

Common error

Avoid using "keep at work" when you mean simply "be at work". The phrase implies sustained effort, not just physical presence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep at work" functions as a verb phrase indicating the continuation of effort or dedication to a task. Ludwig shows examples where it describes persisting despite challenges or maintaining focus on employment responsibilities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep at work" is used to convey sustained effort or dedication to a task, especially when facing challenges. Though not the most common expression, as Ludwig AI notes, it's grammatically acceptable and appears across various contexts, particularly in news, wiki, and science-related content. When writing, be mindful of the intended meaning and consider alternatives like "continue working" if a broader sense of persistence is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persist in working

Emphasizes the act of continuing to work despite difficulties.

continue working

Highlights the uninterrupted nature of the work.

persevere with work

Focuses on overcoming challenges and maintaining effort.

remain employed

Stresses maintaining a state of being employed.

maintain employment

Highlights keeping a job or position.

stay on the job

Focuses on remaining in a current employment role.

keep working consistently

Highlights doing something regularly or steadily over a period of time.

uphold job duties

Focuses on maintaining and fulfilling responsibilities.

preserve work ethic

Underlines protecting qualities related to diligence and professionalism.

dedicate oneself to work

Highlights committing time and energy to one's job.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep at work" to describe maintaining focus or effort on a task, as in, "Despite the challenges, I will "keep at work" until the project is completed".

What can I say instead of "keep at work"?

You can use alternatives like "continue working", "persist in working", or "persevere with work" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "keep at work" or "stay at work"?

"Keep at work" implies continuous effort, while "stay at work" refers to remaining in the workplace. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "keep at work" and "continue to work"?

"Keep at work" suggests maintaining persistent effort on a specific task, while "continue to work" implies a general continuation of employment or labor.