keeping at it

USAGE SUMMARY

"keeping at it" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to continue persistently with something, despite difficulties or challenges. You can use "keeping at it" in various situations, such as when talking about perseverance, determination, or persistence. Example: Despite facing many setbacks, I kept at it and finally achieved my goal of running a marathon.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Also, "greed the pursuit of wealth is obviously good for you: keeping at it is helping to keep these men young.

The Economist

Mr Murdoch once returned an advance he had been given to produce his autobiography, remarking that sitting down to write his life story would be like admitting it was all over.Finally, "greed"—the pursuit of wealth is obviously good for you: keeping at it is helping to keep these men young.

The Economist

"It's just keeping at it".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"But we're keeping at it and not giving up.

The New York Times

I do admire the work ethic, the keeping at it, the belief in himself that he's shown".

The New York Times - Sports

For the time being, lots of us are staying in condition to work until we're 79 by keeping at it on vacations and weekends.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

She's always talking through it, keeping at you, throwing you off balance, which is how she likes you to be, onstage.

The New Yorker

But I'm a big believer in keeping at something until you get it right," Obama said, referring to the failure of his previous nominees, Bill Richardson and Judd Gregg.

The Guardian

We've tried this a couple of times, but I'm a big believer in keeping at something until you get it right.

Huffington Post

They retreat to safety, to the place where technology is, if not controlling nature, then at least keeping it at bay. "It becomes the talk of the neighborhood," Iannetta concludes.

The New York Times - Magazine

Given the quality of that work — based on his testimony, it looks bungled — one almost wonders which side would have an interest in keeping him at it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keeping at it" when you want to emphasize consistent effort and persistence, especially in the face of minor challenges. It is ideal for describing ongoing actions rather than monumental achievements.

Common error

Avoid framing "keeping at it" as a universal solution. Sometimes, persistence isn't enough; re-evaluation of strategy or acceptance of failure might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "keeping at it" is that of a phrasal verb acting as a gerund or present participle in sentences, describing continuous effort and persistence. Ludwig AI confirms it as correct and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keeping at it" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrasal verb that emphasizes persistent effort and determination. Ludwig AI validates this assessment, confirming its frequent use across various contexts. While its register is generally neutral, it leans toward informal usage, making it suitable for everyday conversation and general writing. More formal alternatives like "persisting with it" or "persevering" may be preferred in academic or professional contexts. Remember to use "keeping at it" to promote continued effort, but also recognize when a change in strategy might be more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persisting with it

Emphasizes continuous action with a specific task, similar to "keeping at it" but with a slightly more formal tone.

persevering

Highlights determination in overcoming obstacles, suggesting a stronger sense of challenge than "keeping at it".

sticking with it

Implies loyalty and commitment, suggesting a personal connection to the task, a nuance less present in "keeping at it".

remaining dedicated

Focuses on commitment and purpose, suggesting a more significant investment than simply "keeping at it".

continuing steadfastly

Implies unwavering consistency, emphasizing resolve more than the simple act of "keeping at it".

staying the course

Suggests completing a pre-determined path or plan, emphasizing endurance in a directed manner more than "keeping at it".

not giving up

Highlights resilience and refusal to quit, focusing on overcoming adversity more than just "keeping at it".

plugging away

Suggests steady, consistent effort with a possible lack of excitement, slightly more informal than "keeping at it".

pressing on

Focuses on forward momentum and overcoming resistance, implying a more forceful approach than "keeping at it".

hanging in there

Implies enduring a difficult or challenging situation, with emphasis on maintaining one's position, which adds a sense of difficulty not central to "keeping at it".

FAQs

How can I use "keeping at it" in a sentence?

You can use "keeping at it" to describe persistent effort. For example, "Despite the initial difficulties, "keeping at it" led to significant improvements in her skills".

What are some alternatives to "keeping at it"?

Alternatives include "persisting with it", "persevering", or "sticking with it" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "keeping at it" formal or informal?

"Keeping at it" is generally considered neutral, suitable for both informal and moderately formal contexts. More formal alternatives might be preferable in academic or professional writing.

When is it better to re-evaluate than "keeping at it"?

If your current approach consistently yields negative results, consider re-evaluating your strategy instead of simply "keeping at it". Sometimes a change in tactics is necessary for success.