keep on trying

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep on trying" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an informal phrase used to encourage someone to continue to work towards their goal despite any difficulties or disappointments they may face. For example: "I understand it's been difficult, but don't give up, keep on trying!".

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

If you fail, just keep on trying.

WikiHow

If not then just keep on trying.

WikiHow

You will become stronger, just keep on trying.

WikiHow

Don't get angry because you can't catch the coin in your hand, just keep on trying.

WikiHow

"It just shows one should never give up and always keep on trying harder.

Independent

So why do we keep on trying?

Independent

I'm going to keep on trying".

The New York Times

I'll keep on trying to get to that goal.

The New York Times - Sports

"They're both going to keep on trying with the violence".

The New York Times

And keep on trying, learning the lessons along the way.

The Guardian

Governor Romney, you keep on trying to, you know, airbrush history here.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep on trying", consider the audience and context. While generally appropriate, more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "persevere" or "persist" for a more professional tone.

Common error

While "keep on trying" is perfectly acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in highly formal documents or academic papers. Opt for synonyms like "persevere" or "continue" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep on trying" primarily functions as an imperative, urging continuous effort. Ludwig's examples show it used to encourage persistence despite challenges in various situations, from games to personal goals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

43%

News & Media

37%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep on trying" is a grammatically sound and highly versatile phrase used to encourage persistence and continuous effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable expression. It's prevalent across various contexts, particularly in Wiki and News & Media, indicating its widespread appeal. While the phrase is generally informal, it effectively conveys a message of motivation and support. Remember that while "keep on trying" is perfectly acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in highly formal documents or academic papers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

don't give up

An encouraging phrase that directly advises against stopping the effort.

stick with it

An informal phrase encouraging perseverance in a task or activity.

never give in

Emphasizes resistance and a refusal to be defeated.

persevere

Similar to "persist" but often implies facing greater obstacles.

persist

A more concise and formal alternative, suggesting continued effort despite difficulty.

press on

Implies moving forward with determination, often in the face of adversity.

continue striving

Highlights the ongoing effort and ambition towards a goal.

maintain effort

Focuses on the sustained application of energy and resources.

stay the course

Suggests maintaining the current approach or path despite challenges.

hold on

A more general expression of encouragement to not lose hope or give up.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep on trying" to encourage someone to continue their efforts despite difficulties. For example, "The task may seem hard, but "don't give up", just "keep on trying".

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

You can use alternatives like "persist", "persevere", or ""don't give up"" depending on the context.

Is "keep trying" the same as "keep on trying"?

While both phrases convey the same basic meaning, "keep on trying" emphasizes continuous effort. "Keep trying" is a shorter, more direct version, while "keep on trying" has a slightly more encouraging tone.

When is it better to use "persevere" instead of "keep on trying"?

"Persevere" is a more formal synonym for "keep on trying". Use "persevere" in professional or academic contexts where a more sophisticated tone is appropriate. "Keep on trying" is better suited for informal or conversational settings.