Quick Definition
Keep On — To continue doing something, often with persistence or repetition.
Meanings of Keep On
| Meaning | Example Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Continue persistently | Keep on practising and you'll improve. | Continue without stopping. |
| Repeatedly do (annoying) | She keeps on interrupting me. | She does it repeatedly and annoyingly. |
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Meaning in Context |
|---|---|
| Keep on practising and you'll improve. | Continue without stopping. |
| She keeps on interrupting me. | She does it repeatedly and annoyingly. |
| "Don't worry -- I'll keep on it." | Using it in a short reassurance. |
| She decided to keep on the whole situation. | Applying the phrasal verb in context. |
Grammar Notes
Separability & Transitivity
Type: inseparable | Transitivity: intransitive
Inseparable. Always followed by a gerund: keep on trying. Cannot take a noun object directly.
How to Use Keep On
Informal to neutral. Common in motivational and conversational contexts.
| Register | Example / Notes |
|---|---|
| Informal / Spoken | Keep on practising and you'll improve. |
| Neutral / Written | Consider context; single-word synonyms may suit formal writing. |
Similar Phrasal Verbs
Practise Keep On
Practice English Phrasal Verbs
Use these exercises to master phrasal verbs in context:
Frequently Asked Questions about Keep On
What does "Keep On" mean?
"Keep On" means: To continue doing something, often with persistence or repetition. It is a intransitive phrasal verb rated CEFR B1.
Is "Keep On" separable or inseparable?
"Keep On" is inseparable. Inseparable. Always followed by a gerund: keep on trying. Cannot take a noun object directly.
How do I use "Keep On" in a sentence?
Keep on practising and you'll improve. -- in this example, 'Keep On' means continue without stopping.
What is the register of "Keep On"?
Informal to neutral. Common in motivational and conversational contexts.
What CEFR level is "Keep On"?
"Keep On" is typically taught at CEFR B1 — Intermediate level. It appears frequently in informal to neutral contexts.
What is the difference between "Keep On" and similar phrasal verbs?
"Keep On" specifically means: To continue doing something, often with persistence or repetition. Compare with similar verbs in the 'Similar Phrasal Verbs' section below for nuanced differences.
Can "Keep On" be used formally?
Informal to neutral. Common in motivational and conversational contexts. When writing formally, consider whether a single-word synonym might be more appropriate for the context.
Does "Keep On" take an object?
"Keep On" is intransitive. Inseparable. Always followed by a gerund: keep on trying. Cannot take a noun object directly.
How can I practise "Keep On"?
Use LexFizz's Find the Match and Flip Tiles exercises to practise 'Keep On' in context. Seeing it in multiple sentences helps the meaning stick.
Is "Keep On" used in British or American English?
"Keep On" is used in both British and American English, though register and frequency may vary. Informal to neutral. Common in motivational and conversational contexts.