keep on beating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep on beating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the continuation of an action, particularly in a rhythmic or repetitive context, such as in music or physical activity. Example: "Despite the challenges, the drummer decided to keep on beating the rhythm to maintain the energy of the performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"But I will tell you this: if he doesn't stop it and you keep on beating him like this, one, he is getting hurt, two, if it goes to a decision, why hasn't the referee stopped the fight?

BBC

Ordinarily [the] best strategy for the rubber-hose wielder is to keep on beating keys out of (let us say, Alice) indefinitely till there are no keys left.

MIT Technology Review

It must be difficult for the greatest player of all time to understand how it is possible that this young buck can keep on beating him.

The Guardian - Sport

"I promise that your heart will keep on beating for Sport Club Recife," says a potential recipient of a transplanted heart.

BBC

Keep on beating it with your sword.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"The rioters on the top deck, whose number swelled up to 30 by that time, kept on beating up about 30 commandos who kept gliding their way one by one from the helicopter". He claimed activists stole a handgun from one commando and threw him 30 feet over a rail, causing serious head injuries.

The Guardian

Wright's ministry was (and is) one which empowers a people who have endured much and who have kept on beating against the gates of oppression.

Huffington Post

"But he kept on beating me.

The Guardian

He could have lived there and gone to school and kept on beating back wildfires.

The New Yorker

They kept on beating each other in a rhythmic tattoo until the winner, Zhu Chen, 25, of China, put two victories together and won the tiebreaker and the championship against Alexandra Kosteniuk, 17, a new star from Russia.

The New York Times

He's the most recent victim of Dick LeBeau who has beaten them all and keeps on beating them at the age of 73.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep on beating" in a metaphorical sense, ensure that the context clearly conveys the intended meaning of persistence or repeated effort. For example, "The company had to keep on beating the drum about its new product to gain market share."

Common error

Avoid using "keep on beating" in contexts where it might imply unnecessary violence or aggression, especially if a more nuanced phrase like "continue striving" or "persist in pursuing" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "keep on beating" is that of a phrasal verb, indicating the continuation of an action, often with the implication of persistence or rhythm. Ludwig AI shows examples where it's used in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

8.33%

Less common in

Science

8.33%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep on beating" is a grammatically sound phrasal verb that signifies the continuation of an action, often with emphasis on persistence or rhythmic repetition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in both literal and figurative senses. While generally neutral in tone, it leans towards informal contexts, frequently appearing in news and media, as well as wiki-style content. While the frequency of use is classified as uncommon, understanding its connotation is critical to avoid inappropriate usage and maintain clarity in your writing. Consider more precise alternatives like "persist in pursuing" for formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue striking

Emphasizes the uninterrupted nature of the action of striking.

persist in hitting

Highlights the determination to continue hitting despite potential obstacles.

repeatedly strike

Focuses on the repetitive nature of the striking action.

continue to pummel

Implies a relentless and forceful continuation of beating.

persist in attacking

Highlights the unwavering continuation of aggressive actions.

keep striking repeatedly

Combines persistence and repetition in the act of striking.

carry on hitting

Indicates a simple continuation of the act of hitting.

maintain the rhythm

Shifts focus to maintaining a rhythmic pattern of beating.

sustain the assault

Implies a continued and forceful attack, either physical or metaphorical.

stay on the offensive

Focuses on maintaining an aggressive stance through continuous action.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep on beating" to describe the continuation of a physical action, like "Keep on beating the drum" or to describe the perseverance in a challenging situation, like "She had to keep on beating down the obstacles to achieve her goals".

What are some alternatives to "keep on beating"?

Some alternatives to "keep on beating" include "continue striking", "persist in hitting", or "repeatedly strike", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "keep on beating" in formal writing?

While "keep on beating" is grammatically correct, it is often more suited to informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise and sophisticated alternatives, such as "persist in pursuing" or "continue to strive".

How does the meaning of "keep on beating" differ from "continue beating"?

The phrase "keep on beating" emphasizes a sense of rhythm or persistent effort, while "continue beating" simply means to carry on the action. The addition of "on" in "keep on beating" intensifies the sense of duration and relentless repetition.