keep on plugging

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep on plugging" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to encourage persistence or continued effort in the face of challenges or difficulties. Example: "Even though the project is tough, we need to keep on plugging until we reach our goal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

But just keep on plugging away, and even if what you said has no factual basis, it can become "your truth".

Vice

Keep on plugging.

The New York Times

"If you believe in your book, you keep on plugging".

The New York Times

You can be down 20, you have to keep on plugging.

The New York Times - Sports

"That the game beats you up, and you just kind of got to keep on plugging away".

The New York Times - Sports

My resolution for 2008 is to keep on plugging for those "little people" who are a lot bigger than the hucksters on Wall Street.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Matteo Berlucchi has been CEO since its inception in 2001 and has kept on plugging away at their vision for delivering rich media to the desktop, even as the world has gradually moved to the web for the delivery of streaming video.

TechCrunch

I think we knew if we kept on plugging away then the chances would come and we executed it in the end".

The Guardian - Sport

The Rangers were a little like Weebles all afternoon: no matter how much the bigger Flyers knocked them around, the Rangers wobbled, but got right back up and kept on plugging away.

The New York Times - Sports

Rather, he keeps on plugging, mostly playing a moribund old granddad in a TV soap, a scene from which Kureishi and Michell cleverly introduce as a trompe l'oeil at a vital moment in Maurice's real life.

The Guardian - Film

But Google keeps on plugging away, making its book search better and better.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep on plugging" to encourage someone to continue their efforts, especially when they are facing challenges. It's a motivational phrase that suggests persistence will lead to success.

Common error

Avoid using "keep on plugging" in contexts where a more formal or sophisticated tone is required. It is generally considered informal and may not be suitable for academic or high-level business communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep on plugging" functions as an encouragement or exhortation to continue working diligently, especially when faced with challenges. As Ludwig AI explains, it suggests persistence. This phrasal verb emphasizes continuous effort and determination.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep on plugging" is a commonly used phrasal verb that serves as an encouragement to persist in one's efforts, particularly when facing difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While generally informal, its widespread presence in news and media suggests broad acceptability. To maintain appropriate tone, consider the context and opt for more formal alternatives like "persevere" in academic or high-level business settings. Remember to use "keep on plugging" to motivate and inspire continued action towards a goal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep at it

A simple, direct encouragement to continue working.

keep pushing forward

Highlights the act of continually advancing towards a goal.

press on

Suggests moving forward with determination, often through challenges.

continue striving

Focuses on the effort and ambition involved in pursuing a goal.

persevere

A single word conveying sustained effort despite difficulty.

persist

Emphasizes continuing firmly or obstinately in a course of action.

stay the course

Implies maintaining a consistent direction or strategy.

plow ahead

Conveys forceful and relentless progress.

hang in there

Offers encouragement to remain steadfast during tough times.

grind away

Describes persistent, often tedious, effort.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep on plugging" to encourage someone to continue working hard despite difficulties. For example, "The project is challenging, but we need to "keep on plugging" to meet the deadline."

What is a good alternative to "keep on plugging"?

Alternatives include "persevere", "persist", or "keep pushing forward". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired tone.

Is "keep on plugging" formal or informal?

"Keep on plugging" is generally considered informal. For more formal situations, consider using alternatives like "persevere" or "continue striving".

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

It's appropriate to use "keep on plugging" in casual conversations, team meetings, or informal communications where the goal is to motivate and encourage continued effort. Avoid it in highly formal or academic settings.