keep on working

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep on working" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to encourage someone to continue their efforts or tasks without stopping. Example: "Even when the going gets tough, it's important to keep on working towards your goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"The hidden ones stayed to keep on working," Ezra says.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's really discouraging to work, but due to it being a community service, you keep on working as God will pay you in heaven one day".

Human Resources for Health

I will keep on working hard".

The New York Times - Sports

They all just keep on working.

The New Yorker

I've just got to keep on working".

The New York Times

You just have to keep on working".

The New York Times - Sports

We have to keep on working.

The Guardian - Sport

We are going to keep on working.

The New York Times

Keep on working, don't worry, everything will be O.K".

The New York Times

Hopefully if I keep on working I can win more in the future".

Independent

That's why we've got to keep on working to reduce our deficit in a balanced way".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When encouraging someone, use "keep on working" to convey support and motivation for their continued efforts. It's especially effective when acknowledging potential difficulties or setbacks.

Common error

Avoid using "keep on working" when a task should be stopped or re-evaluated. It implies continuous effort, which might not always be the appropriate course of action.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "keep on working" is that of a phrasal verb acting as an intransitive verb phrase. Ludwig confirms its correct usage. It encourages continued action without a direct object, which makes it a versatile expression for motivation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

15%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep on working" is a versatile and frequently used phrasal verb that serves as a motivating and encouraging expression. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, especially in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it leans towards the informal side, making it suitable for diverse writing styles. When a more formal tone is required, consider alternatives such as "continue to work" or "persist in working".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep working

This alternative is a shorter, more direct way of expressing the same idea.

continue to work

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the ongoing nature of the work.

carry on working

This alternative, common in British English, implies continuing without interruption.

persist in working

This alternative highlights the determination to overcome obstacles while working.

persevere with work

This alternative emphasizes the resilience and dedication needed to continue despite challenges.

keep at it

This is a more informal, idiomatic way of encouraging someone to continue working.

sustain effort in work

This alternative highlights the consistent application of energy and resources to achieve work-related goals.

remain active in work

This alternative suggests maintaining involvement and engagement in one's profession.

stay employed

This alternative focuses on maintaining a job or source of income.

hold down a job

This alternative suggests maintaining employment, often implying it is difficult to do so.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep on working" to encourage someone to continue their current tasks or efforts, as in, "Even though it's challenging, you should keep on working towards your goals."

What are some alternatives to "keep on working"?

Alternatives include "continue to work", "persist in working", or simply "keep working" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "keep on working" formal or informal?

"Keep on working" is generally considered informal but is acceptable in most contexts. For a more formal setting, "continue to work" might be more appropriate.

What does "keep on working" imply?

"Keep on working" implies continuous and persistent effort, often in the face of challenges. It suggests not giving up and maintaining progress towards a goal.