keep working on

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep working on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to encourage someone to continue to work hard or to stay focused on something. For example: "Keep working on that project, you're really close to finishing it!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sorry, Terry — we'll keep working on it!

The New York Times

So I will keep working on it.

The New York Times

"I'm going to keep working on it.

The New York Times - Sports

But I'll keep working on it".

The New York Times - Arts

"We have to keep working on it".

The New York Times

You have to keep working on it".

The New York Times

"We need to keep working on everything".

The Guardian - Sport

And keep working on new material".

The Guardian

But we keep working on it.

The New York Times - Magazine

We'd just keep working on the record".

The Guardian - Music

Nevertheless manufacturers keep working on components for hydrocarbons.

International Journal of Refrigeration

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep working on", ensure the context clearly defines what the subject should continue working on. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "keep working on" as a generic encouragement without providing specific direction or feedback. Instead, offer constructive criticism or highlight areas that need improvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep working on" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically used to encourage continuation of an action or task. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and serves to motivate ongoing effort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

12%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep working on" is a versatile phrasal verb used to encourage the continuation of effort toward a specific goal. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, ranging from news and media to science and academia. Its neutral tone makes it appropriate for both formal and informal settings. To enhance clarity, specify the object of the effort. Alternatives such as "continue to work on" or "persist in working on" can add subtle nuances to the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue to work on

Replaces "keep" with "continue", emphasizing the ongoing nature of the work.

persist in working on

Adds a sense of determination or overcoming obstacles to the act of working.

carry on with

Uses a more informal expression to suggest continuing the work.

stay focused on

Shifts the focus from the act of working to maintaining concentration.

remain dedicated to

Emphasizes commitment and loyalty to the task at hand.

don't give up on

Focuses on avoiding abandonment of the task, suggesting potential difficulties.

persevere with

Highlights the need for steadfastness and endurance in the face of challenges.

make progress on

Emphasizes the advancement or improvement being made through continued effort.

dedicate oneself to

Emphasizes the commitment of time and energy to the task.

sustain effort on

Highlights maintaining a consistent level of exertion on a task.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep working on" to encourage someone to continue their efforts. For example, "Keep working on your presentation; it's looking great!"

What are some alternatives to "keep working on"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "continue to work on", "persist in working on", or "stay focused on".

Is it correct to say "kept working on"?

Yes, "kept working on" is the past tense of "keep working on" and is grammatically correct. For example, "She "kept working on" the project despite the challenges."

What is the difference between "keep working on" and "keep at it"?

"Keep working on" is usually followed by a specific task or goal, while "keep at it" is a more general encouragement to continue effort, even without a specific focus.