keep digging

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep digging" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is used as an imperative to encourage someone to keep trying or working at something, especially when they are making slow progress. For example, "I couldn't find the answer, but my friend said to me 'Keep digging! You'll get there eventually.'".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Keep digging.

The New York Times - Food

Keep digging deeper.

The New York Times - Magazine

And keep digging.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I want to keep digging deeper.

The New York Times

Ms. Schapiro urged Mr. Canellos to keep digging.

The New York Times

"The Republicans just keep digging a deeper hole," he said.

The New York Times

They dig a hole and they keep digging.

The Guardian

The excavators keep digging and the concrete mixers mixing.

The Guardian

You can keep digging and digging and digging".

The New York Times

He just has to keep digging far enough".

The New York Times

A. I think it's actually a story they keep digging up every 10 years.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep digging" when you want to encourage someone to persist in their efforts to uncover information or solve a problem, especially when progress seems slow or difficult.

Common error

Avoid using "keep digging" excessively in casual conversations, as it can sound overly intense or demanding. Opt for more relaxed phrases like "keep looking" or "don't give up" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep digging" functions as an imperative, directly instructing someone to continue their efforts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it encourages persistence in a task.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep digging" is a common and grammatically sound imperative used to encourage persistence in the pursuit of information or solutions. As Ludwig AI points out, its function is to motivate continued effort. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal contexts. Related phrases include "delve deeper" and "continue investigating", which can be used in more formal scenarios. A key best practice is to use "keep digging" when genuine effort is needed, while avoiding overuse in casual settings. All in all, "keep digging" is an effective phrase to keep in your vocabulary for motivational and investigative contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dig deeper

A shorter, more concise version of "keep digging", maintaining the core meaning and impact.

delve deeper

Suggests a more profound exploration, going beyond the surface level, adding intensity.

probe further

Implies a careful and thorough examination, especially in sensitive areas, unlike the more general "keep digging".

keep searching

Highlights the act of looking for something, but is less evocative of uncovering hidden information.

continue investigating

Emphasizes a formal inquiry, suitable for official contexts, unlike the broader application of "keep digging".

persevere

Emphasizes overcoming obstacles, shifting the focus from discovery to resilience.

leave no stone unturned

Suggests a comprehensive search, implying thoroughness but lacking the directness of "keep digging".

persist

Focuses on the act of continuing despite difficulty, lacking the investigative nuance of "keep digging".

follow through

Focuses on completing a task, losing the specific nuance of uncovering hidden information.

press on

Emphasizes forward movement and continuation, without the investigative aspect of "keep digging".

FAQs

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

You can use "keep digging" to encourage someone to persist in their search for information or understanding, such as, "The answer might not be obvious at first, but "keep digging" and you'll find it."

What's a more formal alternative to "keep digging"?

In a more formal context, you might use phrases like "continue investigating" or "delve deeper" to convey the same meaning with a more professional tone.

When is it appropriate to use "keep digging"?

It's appropriate to use "keep digging" when you want to motivate someone to persist in their efforts, especially when they're facing challenges or setbacks in their pursuit of knowledge or a solution.

What's the difference between "dig deeper" and "keep digging"?

"Dig deeper" and ""keep digging"" are very similar. "Dig deeper" is a command to start exploring more thoroughly, while "keep digging" implies continuing an already ongoing exploration.