keep doing the same thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep doing the same thing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of continuing a particular behavior or action without change. Example: "If you want to see different results, you can't just keep doing the same thing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They keep doing the same thing".

The New York Times

People want you to keep doing the same thing.

The Guardian

To keep doing the same thing when it does not work is one definition of madness.

The New York Times

"I can't keep doing the same thing; my brain is bleeding," she said then.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's a form of insanity to keep doing the same thing and expect a different result".

The New York Times

But, says McCullough, if you keep doing the same thing, you'll get the same result.

The Guardian

"For me, I have to say: 'Keep doing the same thing.

The New York Times - Sports

"We cannot keep doing the same thing and expect a different result," he said on Wednesday.

The Guardian

"We cannot keep doing the same thing and expect a different result," read the statement.

The Guardian - Film

People often ask how he could keep doing the same thing for so long.

The New York Times

"[But] we can't keep doing the same thing for five decades and expect a different result".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep doing the same thing" when you want to emphasize the continuation of a behavior or process, especially when discussing potential outcomes or the need for change.

Common error

Be mindful of overusing "keep doing the same thing" in close proximity to other repetitive phrases. Vary your language to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "keep doing the same thing" is to serve as a verbal phrase indicating the continuation of an action or behavior. It often implies a repetitive process, as seen in many of Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep doing the same thing" is a common expression used to describe the continuation of an action or behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It is particularly prevalent in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's important to be aware of potential redundancy and to consider more formal alternatives when appropriate. The phrase often carries an implication of either admirable persistence or a potentially misguided refusal to change, especially when coupled with the expectation of different results.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persist in the same manner

Focuses on the act of continuing in a particular way, highlighting the consistency of the approach.

continue with the same approach

Emphasizes the ongoing use of a specific method or strategy.

maintain the same course of action

Highlights the sustained commitment to a particular plan or activity.

stick to the established routine

Focuses on adhering to a familiar and regular pattern of behavior.

hold steady with the current practice

Emphasizes maintaining the current way of doing things, implying stability.

repeat the existing process

Highlights the repetitive nature of the action being taken.

do the same thing repeatedly

Directly conveys the idea of performing the same action over and over.

preserve the present system

Focuses on maintaining the current system or set of practices.

carry on as before

Suggests continuing in the same way as in the past, without changes.

be consistent with present actions

Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a uniform approach in actions.

FAQs

What does "keep doing the same thing" mean?

The phrase "keep doing the same thing" refers to continuing with a particular action, behavior, or method without any change or deviation.

How can I use "keep doing the same thing" in a sentence?

You can use it to express the idea of persistence or repetition, for example: "If we "keep doing the same thing", we can't expect different results."

What's a more formal way to say "keep doing the same thing"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "persist in the same manner" or "continue with the same approach".

Is there a negative connotation to "keep doing the same thing"?

The phrase can imply a lack of innovation or a refusal to adapt, especially when used in the context of expecting different outcomes. It's often associated with the saying that insanity is "keep doing the same thing" and expecting different results.