keep stepping up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep stepping up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to encourage someone to continue improving or taking on more responsibility in a situation. Example: "In order to succeed in this competitive environment, you need to keep stepping up and showing your commitment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"Guys keep stepping up, just like they did tonight," Manager Joe Girardi said of dealing with the team's numerous injuries.

The New York Times - Sports

"Do you regret not going for it?" the intrepid Robinson asked (subtext: by throwing a punch or something), to which Harrison replied that his strategy had been to "keep stepping up" as the fight progressed, taking it into the later rounds where he might complete his mission, as he liked to put it.

The Guardian - Sport

"And, if we keep playing how we're capable of and the big performers keep stepping up, we'll give anyone a good game".

BBC

The Homemade Movies folks just keep stepping up their game.

Huffington Post

The international community must keep stepping up the pressure for him to go.

The New York Times

With the Security Council paralyzed, Europe and the United States must keep stepping up the pressure, robustly enforce their own sanctions — including a European embargo on oil imports from Syria — and adding to the list.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The quarterback keeps stepping up out of pressure, and Ware keeps flying right by.

The New York Times

During a weeklong test drive, people kept stepping up to admire it.

The New York Times

Springsteen's creative energy and political stamina -- he keeps stepping up when needed -- is a national resource.

Huffington Post

Marvel keeps stepping up its game, and I appreciate the way Kevin Feige and all the creatives there think.

Huffington Post

As ramen grew trendier and trendier in the United States (though the craze has nothing on Japan's affection for the stuff), restaurants keep on stepping up their game.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep stepping up" in a professional context, ensure it's clear what specific actions or qualities need improvement. Provide concrete examples to guide the person or team.

Common error

Avoid using "keep stepping up" without defining clear goals or expectations. This can lead to confusion and a lack of focused effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep stepping up" functions as an idiomatic expression, often used as a verb phrase to encourage continuous improvement or increased effort. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep stepping up" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that encourages continuous improvement or increased effort. Ludwig AI validates its use in written English. While leaning towards informal, it fits into neutral contexts like news and media, as well as some professional settings. For more formal communication, consider alternatives such as "continue to improve" or "advance". When using this phrase, it's best to provide clear goals and expectations to ensure focused effort and avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue to improve

This alternative focuses on the continuous nature of improvement, without necessarily implying increased effort or responsibility.

keep upping your game

An informal way of saying to continually improve one's performance.

keep raising the bar

This implies consistently setting higher standards or goals.

persist in elevating

A more formal way to express continuous improvement and raising standards.

progressively enhance

Suggests a gradual but steady improvement over time.

continue to advance

Focuses on progression and forward movement.

maintain upward momentum

Focuses on sustaining progress and avoiding stagnation.

increase your efforts

Highlights the need for more exertion and hard work.

endeavor to ascend

A slightly poetic and formal way of suggesting continuous advancement.

take on more responsibility

Emphasizes the acceptance of additional duties and obligations.

FAQs

How can I use "keep stepping up" in a sentence?

You can use "keep stepping up" to encourage someone to continue improving or taking on more responsibility, for example: "In order to succeed in this competitive environment, you need to "keep stepping up" and showing your commitment."

What are some alternatives to "keep stepping up"?

You can use alternatives like "continue to improve", "raise the bar", or "take on more responsibility" depending on the context.

Is "keep stepping up" formal or informal?

"Keep stepping up" leans toward the informal side but can be used in professional contexts if the tone is collaborative and encouraging. For more formal situations, consider alternatives like "continue to advance" or "progressively enhance".

What does it mean to "keep stepping up"?

To ""keep stepping up"" means to consistently improve one's performance, take on more responsibility, or elevate standards in a particular area.