keep sharpening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep sharpening" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you encourage someone to continue improving their skills or abilities, often in a metaphorical sense related to honing one's talents. Example: "As a writer, it's important to keep sharpening your craft by reading widely and practicing regularly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We must keep sharpening our tools.

The Guardian

Keep sharpening and you will notice that the blade will begin to feel warm.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"We kept sharpening our nails on the scratching post.

The New York Times

The most common thing is that everyone keeps sharpening their sword, whatever it is they do.

The Guardian - Books

But discount rival Target, which keeps sharpening its appeal to a higher-income consumer, enjoyed first-quarter results that exceeded expectations.

Forbes

It is when the challenges come, who is the last man standing and holding himself high and clear, is the one who keeps sharpening his skills, observing himself from the outside in.

Huffington Post

Weaponising our words won't lead to any sensible end, although by all means keep them sharpened for the few insufferable chumps that need cutting down to size.

Vice

Weaponizing our words won't lead to any sensible end, although by all means keep them sharpened for the few insufferable chumps that need cutting down to size.

Vice

I'd add that she knew how to keep those pencils sharpened throughout her entire life.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I keep a pencil sharpened at both ends," he wrote in his notebook; and the same shrewd insight holds for the artist moving between art-forms and genres.

The Guardian - Music

Nonetheless, for many actors it is a way to earn money between plays or movies, and to keep their art sharpened.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep sharpening" in your writing, ensure it aligns with a context of continuous improvement or maintaining a competitive edge, whether literally (like sharpening a tool) or metaphorically (like honing skills).

Common error

Avoid using "keep sharpening" in contexts where literal sharpening is meant but not specified. The metaphorical usage is most effective when the connection to physical sharpening enhances the meaning, not obscures it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep sharpening" functions primarily as a verb phrase, encouraging ongoing refinement or improvement. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in contexts related to skills and abilities. It is a call for continuous honing of one's talents.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

36%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep sharpening" is a versatile verb phrase that encourages continuous improvement and skill refinement. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, especially news and media, and wiki sources. While not overly formal, its usage is appropriate in a range of settings. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives like "continue to refine" or "persist in honing". Remember to use the phrase where it adds value to the concept of continuous improvement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue to refine

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the refining process, focusing on improvement and precision.

persist in honing

Highlights the dedication and persistence required to improve skills or abilities.

maintain proficiency

Focuses on upholding a high level of skill or expertise.

stay sharp

A more concise and idiomatic way of expressing the need to remain skilled and alert.

keep your skills honed

Specifically mentions the act of keeping skills in a refined state.

continue improving

A broader term that emphasizes the continuous aspect of making something better.

always be refining

Stresses the constant and perpetual nature of the improvement process.

never stop learning

Highlights learning as a means of continuous development and skill enhancement.

keep perfecting

Focuses on reaching an ideal or flawless state through continuous effort.

maintain readiness

Emphasizes the importance of being prepared and equipped through continuous practice and skill development.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep sharpening" to encourage continuous improvement. For example, "To stay competitive, we must "keep sharpening" our skills."

What does it mean to "keep sharpening" something?

To ""keep sharpening"" something means to continuously improve or refine it, often referring to skills, strategies, or processes.

What can I say instead of "keep sharpening"?

You can use alternatives like "continue to refine", "persist in honing", or "maintain proficiency" depending on the context.

Is "keep sharpening" a formal or informal expression?

"Keep sharpening" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both professional and informal communication, although it leans slightly towards the informal side.