keeping on trying

USAGE SUMMARY

'keeping on trying' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to continuing to make an effort to do something despite a lack of success or difficulty. For example: "No matter how many times she fails the test, she just keeps on trying."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

A gentle lesson from Mike Haines about keeping on trying?

The Guardian - Books

Few, however, believe the company's announcement will dissuade China from keeping on trying.

The Economist

Those who recall the youthful Liddle might shake their heads, but it is in a sense a failure of the left that someone like him, without question a talented individual, allowed the lure of the establishment to change him, rather than keeping on trying to change the world.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Keep on keeping on.

The New York Times - Arts

Here's to keeping on, keeping on.

Huffington Post

If you're not good at keeping on schedules, try to request someone's help: your mum or a close friend who would love a change, too.

WikiHow

Beauty without ecological function is a waste of resources and space!" Goggle-eyed, The Man started backing sideways down the dirt road, keeping one eye on me while trying to watch his footing amid the rocks and erosion.

Huffington Post

Next door in Iowa, officials are keeping one eye on the fight while trying to determine whether they should try to recoup up to $25 million in public money given to business partnerships that have not lived up to their agreements to increase employment.

The New York Times

Harvey keeps on keeping on.

The New York Times

Caparrós keeps on keeping on.

The Guardian - Sport

They just keep on keeping on.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keeping on trying" to emphasize the continuous and persistent nature of an effort, especially when facing setbacks. It suggests a resilient and determined attitude.

Common error

Avoid using "keeping on trying" when a single, decisive action is needed rather than sustained effort. Alternatives like "attempting" or "striving" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeping on trying" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It emphasizes the continuous action of attempting something, aligning with Ludwig AI’s assessment of its correctness and usability. The examples show it describing persistent efforts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keeping on trying" is a grammatically correct and usable gerund phrase that effectively conveys the idea of persistent effort despite challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is well-suited for emphasizing resilience and determination. While it appears most frequently in news and media, its adaptability makes it appropriate for various contexts. Remember to use this phrase when you want to highlight the ongoing nature of an endeavor and the importance of not giving up. For alternative expressions, consider "continuing to try" or "persisting".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continuing to try

This alternative offers a more literal restatement, breaking down the gerund phrase into a verb phrase. It is less idiomatic.

persevering

This alternative is a formal synonym, stressing determination in the face of difficulties.

persisting

This alternative is a single-word synonym that conveys continued effort but lacks the dynamic, ongoing sense of the original phrase.

not giving up

This alternative shifts the focus to avoiding defeat, highlighting resilience rather than active effort.

pressing on

This alternative suggests active forward movement despite resistance, implying a sense of purpose.

hanging in there

This alternative is more informal and colloquial, suggesting endurance during a difficult time.

staying the course

This alternative implies maintaining a consistent direction towards a long-term objective, even when faced with obstacles.

endeavoring continuously

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the sustained nature of the effort.

remaining steadfast

This alternative emphasizes unwavering commitment and loyalty to a cause or goal, rather than general persistence.

maintaining effort

This alternative focuses on the sustained energy and dedication applied, rather than the act of trying.

FAQs

How can I use "keeping on trying" in a sentence?

You can use "keeping on trying" to describe someone's persistent efforts despite challenges. For example, "Despite the repeated failures, she was committed to "continuing to try"."

What phrases are similar to "keeping on trying"?

Alternatives to "keeping on trying" include "persisting", "persevering", or "not giving up", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "keeping on trying" formal or informal?

"Keeping on trying" is generally considered neutral in formality. You can use it in both informal and semi-formal contexts, but more formal situations might call for alternatives like "endeavoring continuously".

When should I avoid using "keeping on trying"?

Avoid using "keeping on trying" when the focus is on a single attempt or action, rather than sustained effort. In those cases, use terms like "attempting" or "striving" instead.