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keep on

to continue

In Phrasal Verbs

In more detail

1. (verb) to continue doing something without stopping

2. (verb) to continue to employ someone in a job

Examples

• 1. Keep on walking until you reach the traffic light.
• 2. The company decided to keep on their most experienced staff members.

How to use keep on

Keep on is a phrasal verb used to express continuation of an action or activity, often with a sense of determination or persistence. It is slightly more casual than 'continue' and very common in conversational English. When used with an employee, it means to retain them in their position.

Common phrases

• keep on going
• keep on trying
• keep on working
• keep on top of
• keep someone on staff

Synonyms

continue · carry on · proceed · persist · go on

Opposites

stop · cease · quit

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse 'keep on' with 'keep up with,' which has a different meaning; 'keep on' focuses on continuation, while 'keep up with' implies maintaining pace with someone or something.

Nearby in Phrasal Verbs

hand out, hinge on, hold up, lash out, level off, live up to

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained