keep on looking

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep on looking" is a perfectly grammatical and usable phrase in standard written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express an ongoing or continuing search. For example, you might say, "I haven't found a job yet, but I'm going to keep on looking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

For Spurs fans the temptation must be not to blink, just to keep on looking straight ahead.

The Guardian - Sport

We can never really know what happened in that room, but it seems somehow important to keep on looking.

The Guardian - Books

John said: "We will keep on looking until we have satisfied ourselves that we have exhausted all viable lines of inquiry.

The Guardian

There's less incentive to spread information around: you can just keep on looking until you find it.

BBC

Hawks or coyotes will find them and eat them, but keep on looking until you or a great retriever finds the wounded bird.

Forbes

For now, the best we can do is to keep on looking out for each other.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

It would seem that certain people have been looking for any opportunity to trap him, and if one accusation has failed, then they have kept on looking for another, until they can totally discredit him.

The New York Times

I kept on looking out the window and thinking, I am going to miss this.

The New York Times - Magazine

He has kept on looking for the truth, on the assumption that obtaining it is of crucial importance for his life.

SEP

This lady kept on looking, seeing the people watching, keeping her eye on them.

The Guardian - Books

It was that Stockhausen kept on looking for, and finding, sounds never heard before.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep on looking" to encourage persistence in a search or investigation. For example, when advising someone who hasn't found the right solution, suggest they "keep on looking".

Common error

While "keep on looking" is widely understood, it might sound too informal in professional or academic writing. Opt for phrases like "continue to search" or "persist in searching" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep on looking" functions as an encouraging expression, urging continued effort in searching or observing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard and usable phrase. The examples demonstrate its use in diverse scenarios, from job hunting to problem-solving.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Keep on looking" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that encourages persistence in searching or observing. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and examples show it's widely used in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, though it leans toward an informal register. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "continue to search". Remember to use "keep on looking" to motivate persistence and avoid overuse in professional writing. Practical usage involves encouraging persistence, as in: "If you don't find the answer immediately, just "keep on looking"!"

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep searching

A more concise and direct way of expressing the same idea.

maintain your search

Focuses on the ongoing nature of the searching activity.

continue to search

Focuses more directly on the action of searching, removing the idiomatic feel of "keep on looking".

don't give up searching

Emphasizes the importance of not stopping the search.

persist in searching

Emphasizes the determination and effort involved in the search.

endeavor to find

Implies a more formal and determined effort to locate something.

persevere in the search

Highlights the commitment and resilience needed to find something.

remain observant

Shifts the focus to observation rather than active searching.

continue the quest

Adds a sense of adventure or importance to the search.

stay vigilant

Highlights the need for alertness and watchfulness.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep on looking" to encourage someone to continue searching or observing. For example, "If you don't find what you need at first, just keep on looking."

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

You can use alternatives like "continue to search", "persist in searching", or "remain observant" depending on the context.

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

The phrase "keep on looking" is suitable for informal and neutral contexts. In more formal situations, consider using more professional alternatives like "continue to search".

Is "keep on looking" grammatically correct?

Yes, "keep on looking" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It's a phrasal verb that expresses the idea of continuing a search or observation.