keep on calling

USAGE SUMMARY

'keep on calling' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something should continue to happen. For example: "Keep on calling her until she agrees to meet with you."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

That's what happened, and now they keep on calling me".

The Guardian - Film

On the Facebook page he set up in the author's memory, Van Gelderen has written: "Let's keep on calling it Ali's Great Iranian Novel, until someone proves him wrong".

The Guardian - Music

One arch Eurosceptic Tory MP - he knows who he is - lent across the table and moaned to her: "Oh, Margaret, they keep on calling me a little Englander".

BBC

Keep on calling out "is everybody okay?

WikiHow

If they look like they're about to run away again, keep on calling them.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

I kept on calling though, several times a day, until they put me through to my main surgeon.

Vice

Three alternate musicians will be kept on call.

The New Yorker

"But I kept on calling.

The New York Times

I thought she was looking for the ball, so I kept on calling and she kept treading water.

The Guardian

Donny wasn't a Catholic but I let him wear my scapular, which he kept on calling a spatula.

The New Yorker

That inspector keeps on calling in the West End, and he's a very welcome visitor – though the smug Birling family, whose celebration of their daughter's engagement is disrupted by his arrival, may beg to differ.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep on calling" to emphasize persistence or insistence. For example, "If you don't get an answer the first time, keep on calling until you do."

Common error

While "keep on calling" is a valid phrase, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "persist in calling" or "continue to call" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep on calling" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the continuation of an action. It emphasizes the ongoing nature of making phone calls, implying persistence. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep on calling" is a grammatically sound and understandable phrasal verb that means to continue making phone calls, often with persistence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. While relatively common, varying your language with similar expressions such as "continue to call" or "persist in calling" can enhance your writing style. Predominantly found in news, Wiki and general media, it conveys a sense of ongoing action. When in doubt about its formality, consider your context and choose a more formal option if necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep calling

Shorter version of the original phrase, maintaining the core meaning.

continue to call

A more straightforward way of expressing the continuous act of calling.

keep phoning

Uses "phoning" as an alternative to "calling".

persist in calling

Emphasizes the continuous and determined nature of calling.

constantly call

Highlights the frequency of the calls.

repeatedly call

Highlights the repetitive aspect of making calls.

call incessantly

Stresses the uninterrupted nature of calling.

regularly call

Focuses on the consistent schedule of the calls.

never stop calling

Emphasizes the unwavering nature of calling.

keep ringing

An alternative phrasing, using "ringing" as the action.

FAQs

What does "keep on calling" mean?

The phrase "keep on calling" means to continue to call someone repeatedly or persistently. It often implies a sense of determination or insistence.

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

You can use "keep on calling" to indicate that someone should continue making phone calls, such as, "If you don't reach them immediately, "keep calling" until they answer."

What can I say instead of "keep on calling"?

You can use alternatives like "continue to call", "persist in calling", or simply ""keep calling"" depending on the context.

Is "keep on calling" formal or informal?

"Keep on calling" is generally considered informal. In more formal contexts, "continue to call" or "persist in calling" might be more appropriate.