keep kicking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep kicking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to encourage someone to continue persevering or to keep going despite challenges. Example: "Even when times are tough, just keep kicking and don't give up on your dreams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Keep kicking, keep kicking, keep kicking!" Mr. Belmont shouted.

The New York Times

They keep kicking themselves around.

The Guardian

We have to keep kicking on".

Independent

"They can't keep kicking this can down the road".

The New York Times

"Unfortunately, we keep kicking ourselves in the foot".

The Guardian - Music

"We can't keep kicking them out of one place where they go to another.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

He keeps kicking it upfield.

The Guardian - Sport

He kept kicking him as he fell".

The New York Times

Europe just keeps kicking the can down the road".

The New York Times

"They just kept kicking her and punching her".

The New York Times

"They kept kicking me," Ms. Dore-Almonor said, "stepping on my back and they were laughing".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep kicking" to inject a sense of energy and forward motion into your writing, especially when encouraging persistence or celebrating ongoing effort. For example, "Despite the setbacks, the team needs to keep kicking to reach their goals".

Common error

While "keep kicking" is widely understood, it can sound too informal or colloquial in some professional or academic settings. Opt for more neutral or formal alternatives like "continue striving" or "persist" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep kicking" functions primarily as a motivational expression, urging continued effort or perseverance. As confirmed by Ludwig, the structure is grammatically sound, and it often appears in contexts where encouragement is needed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

10%

Sport

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Lifestyle

4%

Books

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep kicking" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression that serves as a motivational call to action. According to Ludwig, it's best suited for informal or neutral contexts like news, media and general conversations, where its encouraging tone can be most effective. While it's not typically used in formal academic or scientific writing, its straightforward message of perseverance makes it a valuable addition to everyday language. Remember to reserve it for situations where a touch of informality and direct encouragement is appropriate. Alternatives such as "keep going", "continue striving", or "persist" might be more fitting in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep going

A more general encouragement to continue without stopping.

keep pushing

Emphasizes forceful advancement despite resistance.

keep pressing on

Highlights perseverance through difficulties.

don't give up

Directly advises against ceasing effort.

keep striving

Focuses more on the effort and ambition towards a goal.

stick with it

An informal encouragement to remain committed to a task.

maintain momentum

Stresses the importance of sustaining progress.

persevere

A single word emphasizing continued effort in the face of difficulty.

continue the effort

A more formal way of urging continued work.

hold your course

Focuses on maintaining direction and intention.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep kicking" to encourage someone to continue working hard or to persist despite challenges. For example, "Even though it's tough, you've got to "keep kicking" to achieve your goals".

What are some alternatives to "keep kicking"?

Alternatives include "keep going", "keep pushing", or "continue striving". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "keep kicking"?

It's appropriate to use "keep kicking" in informal and motivational contexts, such as when encouraging a friend, teammate, or colleague. However, it may not be suitable for highly formal or academic writing.

Is "keep kicking" grammatically correct?

Yes, "keep kicking" is grammatically correct. "Keep" is used as an auxiliary verb followed by the present participle "kicking", which is a common and acceptable structure in English.