keep on speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep on speaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to encourage someone to continue talking or expressing their thoughts. Example: "During the meeting, I encouraged everyone to keep on speaking until all their concerns were addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

I intend to keep on speaking out, as do a number of my peers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Playing a "spot-light solo" and suddenly have the organ cypher a pipe would keep on speaking.

The New Yorker

But then again they keep on speaking in foreign..so who knows?" Arsenal's Olivier Giroud gets an arm in the face and gives an arm in the face, against Marseille in the Champions League.

The Guardian - Sport

But a senior Israeli official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said European diplomats had privately encouraged Israeli leaders "to keep on speaking loudly about the possibility of the military option" as a tactic they believe can only improve their negotiating position.

The New York Times

Keep on speaking 'til I tell you to stop.'" At his publisher, Quercus, editor-in-chief Jon Riley said today: "I don't think I ever left Karl's presence without feeling that he had, even when old, ill and tired, made the day better through his wit, kindness and incomparable intelligence about writing and writers.

The Guardian - Books

"I shall keep on speaking out until I see changes in the issues that I've talked about.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

But the role of underdog suited him well: the Speaker kept on speaking, hiring the upstart organizers he could afford, and by the time Cain suspended his candidacy, in early December, Gingrich had assembled a small but spirited campaign staff and a growing number of supporters.

The New Yorker

Long after Beth El reached a compromise with the Conservative movement that allowed it to interview one outside candidate, long after it hired a Conservative rabbi who had been the search committee's top choice, Mr. Richman has kept on speaking and writing that same word.

The New York Times

The voice keeps on speaking.

Huffington Post

When I grow up I just want to keep on doing motivational speaking.

Vice

If this happens speak to your local MP (that's what I'm doing) and just keep on nagging.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue, consider using "keep on speaking" to emphasize a character's persistence or insistence on being heard.

Common error

While "keep on speaking" is perfectly acceptable, in highly formal writing, consider using alternatives like "continue talking" or "persist in speaking" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "keep on speaking" is as a phrasal verb, functioning as a verb phrase that encourages or directs someone to continue their act of verbal communication. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep on speaking" is a grammatically correct and usable phrasal verb that encourages the continuation of speech. Ludwig's analysis reveals its frequency as uncommon with its primary usage in News & Media and Wiki contexts. It functions mainly to provide encouragement, affirming the speaker to continue articulating their thoughts. While it maintains a neutral register, consider alternatives like "continue talking" in more formal settings. Best practice involves using "keep on speaking" to create environments where speakers feel heard and motivated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue talking

Replaces the phrasal verb with a more straightforward verb phrase.

carry on speaking

Uses a different phrasal verb with similar meaning.

go on speaking

Employs another phrasal verb conveying continuation.

keep talking

A more concise alternative, omitting "on".

persist in speaking

Implies a more determined continuation of speaking.

proceed with speaking

Formal alternative emphasizing the progression of speaking.

sustain dialogue

Focuses on maintaining a conversation.

maintain discourse

Highlights the act of keeping a formal discussion going.

continue to express

Shifts focus to the expression of ideas rather than just the act of speaking.

hold the floor

Idiomatic expression meaning to continue speaking uninterrupted.

FAQs

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

"Keep on speaking" is used to encourage someone to continue expressing their thoughts. For example: "I encourage you to "keep on speaking" until you've shared all your concerns."

What are some alternatives to "keep on speaking"?

Alternatives include "continue talking", "carry on speaking", or "go on speaking", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is "keep on speaking" formal or informal?

"Keep on speaking" leans toward the informal side. In more formal settings, consider using phrases like "continue to express" or "maintain discourse".

What's the difference between "keep speaking" and "keep on speaking"?

While both are similar, "keep on speaking" emphasizes the continuation of the action. "Keep speaking" is a more direct way to say the same thing, but "keep on speaking" adds a slight sense of encouragement.