keeps on doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keeps on doing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that continues to perform an action repeatedly or persistently. Example: "Despite the challenges, she keeps on doing her best to improve her skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Perhaps it's because, alongside the odd bit of self-criticism, they are all so reassuringly insistent that, in an increasingly complicated world, America just keeps on doing the right thing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then you just repeat that, and it has its own self-life; it keeps on doing.

Forbes

It'd be a farce and a failure of a campaign, but he keeps on doing it.

Vice

Make it a routine until your child gets the hang of it and keeps on doing it.

WikiHow

We get used to things and people being the way they are; all this "taking for granted" keeps on doing circles around us, causing us to lose sight of the wonders in our life: our health, our strengths, our family, our achievements, our hobbies, and the beautiful world around us.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"They just keep on doing it because no one is there to stop them".

The New York Times

Just keep on doing it?

The New York Times - Science

And keep on doing it.

The Guardian

I keep on doing it, though.

The Guardian

That is what we will keep on doing".

Independent

We're going to keep on doing this.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keeps on doing" to emphasize the repetitive or continuous nature of an action. This phrase is particularly effective when highlighting persistence despite potential obstacles.

Common error

While "keeps on doing" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "continues to do" or "persists in doing" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "keeps on doing" is that of a phrasal verb, functioning as the predicate of a clause. It indicates the continuation or repetition of an action. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing sustained efforts or behaviors.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keeps on doing" is a grammatically sound and widely understood expression used to convey the continuation or repetition of an action. Though relatively infrequent, as noted by Ludwig, its informal to neutral register makes it suitable for general writing and journalistic contexts. While perfectly acceptable, varying your language with alternatives can enhance writing style. The analysis, supported by Ludwig's examples, shows its practical application in emphasizing persistence or habitual behavior.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keeps doing

Shorter, less emphatic version of the original.

continues to do

Formal alternative, emphasizes sustained action without interruption.

continues with

Highlights the unbroken continuity of an activity.

persists in doing

Highlights determination despite obstacles.

perseveres in doing

Emphasizes the act of persisting despite challenges and difficulties.

carries on doing

Suggests continuing in spite of difficulties or interruptions.

never ceases to do

Implies an action that is continuous and seemingly endless.

goes on doing

Implies an ongoing action without a specified end.

maintains doing

Focuses on sustaining a particular activity.

sustains doing

Refers to maintaining a continuous effort or activity.

FAQs

What does "keeps on doing" mean?

The phrase "keeps on doing" means to continue doing something repeatedly or persistently. It emphasizes the continuous nature of an action.

How can I use "keeps on doing" in a sentence?

You can use "keeps on doing" to describe someone or something that continues an action. For example, "Despite the challenges, she "keeps on doing" her best to improve her skills."

What are some alternatives to "keeps on doing"?

Alternatives to "keeps on doing" include "continues to do", "persists in doing", or "carries on doing", depending on the context.

Is "keeps on doing" formal or informal?

"Keeps on doing" is generally considered informal. In more formal contexts, it's better to use "continues to do" or "persists in doing".