keep on acting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep on acting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to encourage someone to continue performing or behaving in a certain way, often in a theatrical or metaphorical context. Example: "Even when faced with challenges, it's important to keep on acting as if everything will turn out well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

So we have to act and keep on acting.

Huffington Post

I know that if anything is to change, we need to resist these urges to keep on acting like sexual abuse is a normal part of life.

Independent

Looks like we should keep on acting like animals.

Huffington Post

In a series of tweets on Wednesday, Trump questioned Sessions' decision to keep on acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe.

Huffington Post

"Netanyahu will keep meeting other leaders, he'll keep on acting as if everything is normal as long as he can," Meir Sheetrit, a former minister from Netanyahu's political party, Likud, said in an interview.

Los Angeles Times

Geneen Roth says: "Unless you really see what your core beliefs are... you'll just keep on acting them out... but if you can finally get to understanding the beliefs underneath, you can learn how to live..

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The infighting between rival factions saw John Steele ousted as chief executive and that was followed by Martyn Thomas quitting as chairman - although he has been kept on as acting chief executive.

BBC

After high school, he went to the University of Cincinnati and got a degree in political science, and for a while there I thought he was going to join the State Department, but instead he kept on with the acting, travelling all over for auditions, sometimes living out of dumpsters, the way your struggling artists do.

The New Yorker

The leader of the group, Mr. Vieira de Mello, kept on talking, joking and acting as if nothing untoward were happening.

The New York Times

Anthony worked in summer stock in New England and kept right on acting when he went to Columbia.

The New Yorker

"No, I just kept working, kept acting.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep on acting", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to a literal performance or a metaphorical behavior. For example, "Even when feeling discouraged, it's important to "keep on acting" as if you have confidence."

Common error

While grammatically correct, excessively using "keep on acting" in everyday conversations can sound unnatural. Opt for simpler alternatives like "continue" or "carry on" for a more fluid tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep on acting" functions primarily as a phrasal verb indicating the continuation of an action, specifically 'acting'. It is used to emphasize the sustained nature of performing a role, either literally or figuratively. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep on acting" is a grammatically sound phrasal verb that signifies the continuation of 'acting,' whether in a literal performance or a figurative behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not overly common, it's used across various contexts, primarily in news and media, as well as in wikis. To enhance your writing, consider its nuance: it suggests sustained effort and persistence. For similar meanings, explore options like "continue acting" or "persist in acting".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue acting

Replaces "keep on" with "continue", focusing on the sustained nature of the action.

don't stop acting

Directly advises against ceasing the action.

carry on acting

Suggests continuing the action despite potential difficulties.

persist in acting

Emphasizes the determination to continue, highlighting the effort involved.

keep performing

Broader term, suitable when referring to any kind of performance, not just theatrical.

persevere in acting

Emphasizes overcoming obstacles to continue acting.

maintain the act

Focuses on sustaining a particular behavior or performance.

remain acting

Highlights the state of being in the role or act.

proceed with the act

Suggests moving forward with a planned performance or behavior.

hold the pose

Implies maintaining a specific physical or emotional state.

FAQs

What does "keep on acting" mean?

The phrase "keep on acting" means to continue performing a role, behaving in a certain way, or pretending, often in a theatrical or metaphorical sense. It implies a sustained effort to maintain a specific demeanor or action.

How can I use "keep on acting" in a sentence?

You can use "keep on acting" to describe someone who continues to behave or perform in a particular way, such as: "Despite the challenges, she decided to "continue acting" as if nothing was wrong."

What are some alternatives to "keep on acting"?

Some alternatives to "keep on acting" include phrases like "continue performing", "persist in acting", or "maintain the act". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more common to say "keep on acting" or just "keep acting"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "keep acting" is generally more common in modern English. "Keep on acting" adds a slight emphasis to the continuous nature of the action but can sometimes sound slightly more informal or old-fashioned.