keep playing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'keep playing' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to encourage someone to continue an activity, especially one that involves movement or sports. For example, you might say, "Keep playing, and you'll get better with practice!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Just keep playing.

The New York Times - Sports

Keep playing ball.

The New York Times - Sports

But we'll keep playing.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Keep playing, just keep playing," Randolph said.

The New York Times - Sports

Champions Keep Playing, it says.

Independent

I have to keep playing.

The New York Times - Sports

"We want to keep playing.

The New York Times - Sports

Guys keep playing.

The New York Times - Sports

Obviously, I'll keep playing.

The New York Times - Sports

Now women keep playing.

The New York Times - Sports

You keep playing football.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep playing" to encourage persistence and continuous effort, especially in situations where improvement comes with practice. For example, in sports or learning new skills, it serves as a motivational phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "keep playing" when the situation calls for a more nuanced or specific instruction. For example, instead of telling someone to "keep playing" when they're making mistakes, offer targeted advice on how to improve their technique or strategy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep playing" primarily functions as an imperative, used to encourage or instruct someone to continue an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. The phrase serves as a motivational prompt in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

30%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep playing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves as a motivational imperative. Ludwig AI confirms its wide acceptance and appropriateness. Its common usage spans from News & Media to more informal Wiki contexts. For alternatives, consider "continue playing" or "carry on playing". When using the phrase, ensure the context aligns with its encouraging nature, avoiding situations where more specific advice is needed. This phrase is particularly effective in scenarios where persistence leads to improvement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue playing

Replaces "keep" with "continue", emphasizing the uninterrupted nature of the action.

carry on playing

Uses the phrasal verb "carry on" to convey the sense of persistence and continuation.

go on playing

Similar to "carry on playing", this option focuses on the progression of the action.

don't stop playing

Presents the idea as a negative command, urging against cessation.

persist in playing

Emphasizes the determination and resolve to continue despite potential difficulties.

stick with playing

Suggests loyalty and commitment to the activity of playing.

keep at the game

Replaces "playing" with the broader term "the game", applicable to various activities.

maintain your play

Focuses on preserving the current state of playing or performance.

sustain playing

Highlights the endurance aspect of continuing the activity.

hold on to playing

Suggests clinging to the activity, perhaps amidst challenges or distractions.

FAQs

How can I use "keep playing" in a sentence?

You can use "keep playing" to encourage someone to continue an activity. For example, "Even though you're tired, "keep playing"; you'll improve with practice".

What's a good alternative to "keep playing"?

Alternatives include "continue playing", "carry on playing", or "persist in playing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever wrong to use "keep playing"?

While grammatically correct, "keep playing" might not be appropriate if the activity is causing harm or if there's a need for a change in strategy. In such cases, a more specific instruction is preferable.

How does "keep playing" differ from "continue playing"?

While similar, "continue playing" emphasizes the uninterrupted nature of the action, while ""keep playing"" focuses on the persistence and continuous effort required.