keep on touching

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep on touching" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to encourage someone to continue making physical contact or to persist in a particular action. Example: "If you want to improve your skills, just keep on touching the keys until you feel comfortable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Esch is tough and literate, a taciturn bookworm who's been having sex with her brothers' friends since she was 12 because, as she explains of the first, "it was easier to let him keep on touching me than ask him to stop".

The Guardian - Books

(Sally) But then, I couldn' t get why, why, you know, why do you have to keep on touching me, why … in those – private parts.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

But then, I couldn ' t get why, why, you know, why do you have to keep on touching me, why … in those – private parts.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Do you rely on technology to keep on touch?

The Guardian - Tech

Following the seven-way debate, Miliband was able to keep in touching distance on that particular question.

The Guardian

Put the container under a plastic bag hanging over wire or similar to keep it from touching or landing on the cutting.

WikiHow

Her mind keeps touching on the fact that she needs to pee, and when, as she euphorically pictures her rescue by Thomas and the villagers, her bladder lets go — "She peed and peed some more, such a strange sensation lying on her back but so welcome" — the release signals an end.

The New Yorker

The conversation kept touching on the question of whether he might be a Communist, until at last our friend said: "What makes you think he's a Communist?" "We have reason to suspect that he's a Cubist," the G-man said.

The New Yorker

Maron keeps touching on the creative process and inspiration with his guest, and it's interesting to hear Young talk about how he never knows when the muse for a song will strike but, when it does, he drops whatever he's doing for as long as it takes to get that latest sound out and into the world.

Huffington Post

Another attendee had kept touching her on the leg.

The New Yorker

1. Shunt and plumb bob, a whirring top That keeps touching down on its pivot.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep on touching" when you want to emphasize the continuation of a physical action, especially when there's a potential resistance or hesitation involved. For instance, in therapy or sensitive personal situations, it can highlight the ongoing nature of physical contact.

Common error

Avoid using "keep on touching" in formal or professional contexts unless it's absolutely necessary, as it can carry unintended intimate or inappropriate connotations. Choose more neutral alternatives like "continue touching" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "keep on touching" is as a phrasal verb acting as the verb phrase within a sentence. The "keep on" part functions as a continuous aspect marker, indicating that the action is ongoing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

67%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep on touching" is a phrasal verb that signifies the continuation of a physical action. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness, although it's relatively rare in usage. Its connotation varies from neutral to informal, making it suitable for general communication but less appropriate for formal contexts without careful consideration. As the writing guidance suggests, it's essential to be mindful of the setting to avoid unintended implications. Related phrases include "continue touching" and "persist in touching", offering alternative ways to convey the same meaning with varying degrees of emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue touching

Replaces "keep on" with "continue", maintaining the sense of ongoing physical contact.

persist in touching

Uses "persist in" to emphasize the determination to continue touching.

keep touching

Omits "on" but retains the basic meaning of continuous physical contact.

continue to feel

Shifts focus to the sensation of touch rather than the action itself.

repeatedly touch

Highlights the repetitive nature of the touching.

maintain contact with

Emphasizes maintaining a connection through touch.

hold onto

Suggests grasping and maintaining physical contact.

cling to

Implies a tight and persistent grip.

caress repeatedly

Focuses on gentle and affectionate repeated touching.

fondle continuously

Suggests intimate and prolonged touching.

FAQs

What does "keep on touching" mean?

The phrase "keep on touching" means to continue the action of physically contacting something or someone. It implies persistence in the act of touching.

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

It's appropriate when describing the continuation of physical contact, but be mindful of the context. In sensitive or formal situations, consider alternatives like "continue touching".

What are some alternatives to "keep on touching"?

You can use alternatives such as "continue to touch", "persist in touching", or simply "keep touching" depending on the level of emphasis you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "keep touching" and "keep on touching"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "keep on touching" emphasizes the continuation and persistence of the action more strongly than "keep touching". The addition of "on" adds intensity.