keep on cracking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep on cracking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to encourage someone to continue working on a problem or to persist in a task, often with a sense of humor or lightheartedness. Example: "Even though the puzzle is challenging, just keep on cracking at it until you find the solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Now he must decide whether to keep on cracking down or to seek compromise.

The Economist

Well, for Gary Shteyngart it seems the answer is just to keep on cracking jokes.

The Guardian - Books

But how long can this generation keep on cracking open 100 bottles a night as China's economic development—although still ahead of its rivals begins to show signs of a possible slowdown?

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Uncertainty keeps on cracking the pavements and makes for a stumbling journey through the streets of the book.

The Guardian - Books

The biggest problem with activists, though, is that they're often pretty humorless (with the exception of Malala Yousafzai whom the Taliban could not keep from cracking jokes on The Daily Show).

Huffington Post

The settlement comes just a day after a BBC investigation claimed that staff at the high-street bookmaker Coral were told to offer customers perks – including drinks and free bets – to keep them betting on "crack cocaine" fixed-odds betting terminals.

The Guardian

"It's very important we don't demonise the individuals but we do keep cracking on with changing the system".

BBC

"I've got a lot of ambition for myself and for the team and want to keep cracking on," he said.

BBC

And I'm going to keep on dropping back, because, apparently, I've already opened up a crack.

Huffington Post

Keep on, keep on.

The New Yorker

Remove snow from inside and on top of the drain, to keep it from cracking.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and audience. While often lighthearted, ensure it aligns with the context.

Common error

Avoid using "keep on cracking" in overly formal or serious situations where a more direct or professional tone is required. It is better to use something like "continue the analysis".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "keep on cracking" is as a phrasal verb, functioning as an idiomatic expression to convey the idea of continuous effort or persistence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep on cracking" is a phrasal verb used to encourage persistence in tackling a task. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness. Its usage is mostly seen in News & Media, and it maintains an informal register, so it's best employed in appropriate casual settings. Alternative phrases like "keep at it" or "continue trying" may be more suitable in formal contexts. Despite its relatively low frequency, "keep on cracking" is a useful idiom to add color to your encouragement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep at it

A shorter, more informal way of saying to continue working on something.

stick to it

Emphasizes loyalty and commitment to a task or goal.

stay with it

Focuses on maintaining consistent effort and attention.

press on

Implies continuing forward despite obstacles or setbacks.

continue to try

Focuses on the continuous effort to achieve a goal, emphasizing perseverance.

keep pushing

Suggests maintaining momentum and effort towards a goal.

persist in trying

Highlights the determination to keep attempting something despite challenges.

don't give up

An encouraging phrase that advises against abandoning an effort.

persevere

Emphasizes steadfastness and determination in the face of difficulty.

hold fast

Suggests maintaining a firm grip and not letting go of one's efforts.

FAQs

What does "keep on cracking" mean?

The phrase "keep on cracking" means to continue trying to solve a problem or achieve a goal, often with persistence and a bit of humor.

When is it appropriate to use "keep on cracking"?

It's appropriate to use "keep on cracking" in informal or semi-formal settings when encouraging someone to continue working on a task, especially if it involves problem-solving or lighthearted effort. In professional context, consider using "continue to try".

What are some alternatives to "keep on cracking"?

You can use alternatives like "keep at it", "persist", or "continue trying" depending on the context.

Is "keep on cracking" grammatically correct?

Yes, "keep on cracking" is grammatically correct as it's a common phrasal verb. It follows standard English grammar rules and is widely understood.