keep on building

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep on building" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to encourage someone to continue developing or constructing something, whether it's a physical structure, a project, or a skill. Example: "Even when faced with challenges, it's important to keep on building your dreams and aspirations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

But I think we're a team that, once we get momentum, we're going to keep on building off of it.

The New York Times - Sports

The biggest thing for me is we've come a long way in the last 18 months, and the important thing now is we don't get carried away and [we] keep on building.

Independent

Ironically, Iraq is the one place in the world where the Bush team has chosen not to become obsessed with terrorists, not to focus exclusively on them and their noise, but to just keep on building a better Iraq for Iraqis -- the only way to counter terrorism in the long run -- despite the bombs bursting in air.

The New York Times

Andy has had two wins and he's got to keep on building.

BBC

"We'll just keep on building traffic, engagement, and our brand name, and when the market finally opens up, we can already offer [telco] services.

TechCrunch

We'll just keep on building shit and embezzling money until the problem either goes away or gets so big that everyone's forced to accept it.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

But the rival producers have kept on building plants, often giant ones that increased the industry's overall capacity by as much as 30% at a stroke.The result is that between 2004-10 mactuallyrers actualostlost a combined $13 billion, estimates Alberto Moel of Sanford C. Bernstein, a brokerage firm.

The Economist

We just kept on building and building".

The Guardian - Travel

Stuart Pilichowski Mevaseret Zion, Israel, June 4, 2008 • To the Editor: Thomas L. Friedman says, "Israelis kept on building settlements and the Palestinians kept on building hate," and calls this a "trust deficit".

The New York Times

Martin H. Sokol Great Neck, N.Y., June 4, 2008 • To the Editor: Saying "the Israelis kept on building settlements and the Palestinians kept on building hate" is a neat turn of phrase, but where is the symmetry?

The New York Times

Israelis and Palestinians remind me of a couple who, after a stormy courtship, finally get married and one year after they tie the knot they each cheat on the other: Israelis kept on building settlements and the Palestinians kept on building hate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep on building", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being built, whether it's a physical structure, a skill, or a relationship. For example: "Keep on building your network by attending industry events."

Common error

While "keep on building" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal or academic writing can make the tone sound too casual. Opt for more formal alternatives like "continue to develop" or "persist in constructing" in these settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep on building" functions as a phrasal verb that expresses the continuation of a constructive process. Ludwig indicates its use in various contexts, from physical construction to abstract development, emphasizing ongoing efforts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep on building" is a commonly used phrasal verb that signifies the continuation of a constructive process. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and generally acceptable across various contexts, though it may be perceived as slightly informal in academic or professional settings. The phrase is frequently found in news and media, formal business communication, and scientific discussions. To enhance clarity, it's important to specify what exactly is being built. For more formal situations, alternatives such as "continue to develop" or "persist in constructing" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep constructing

A direct synonym, replacing "building" with "constructing" for variety.

continue to build

Replaces "keep on" with "continue to", emphasizing the ongoing nature of the building process.

persist in building

Emphasizes the determination to continue building despite possible obstacles.

keep developing

Shifts the focus from physical construction to broader development.

never stop developing

Emphasizes the endless continuation of development, suitable for long-term projects.

sustain development

Highlights the act of sustaining or prolonging the development process.

maintain construction

Focuses on maintaining the existing construction efforts.

progress continuously

Replaces both "keep on" and "building" to offer a broader sense of ongoing improvement.

move forward with construction

Highlights the forward direction and focus on construction.

advance steadily

Emphasizes the pace and direction of progress, suitable for more abstract projects.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep on building" to encourage continued progress or development. For instance, "Even when faced with setbacks, it's important to "keep on building" your skills".

What are some alternatives to "keep on building"?

Alternatives include "continue to build", "persist in building", or "keep developing", depending on the context.

Is "keep on building" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "keep on building" may sound too informal for academic or professional contexts. Consider using "continue to develop" or "persist in constructing" in such cases.

What is the difference between "keep on building" and "continue building"?

"Keep on building" and "continue building" are very similar, with the former being slightly more emphatic or encouraging. Both suggest an ongoing process, but "keep on building" adds a sense of persistence.