keep at
يثابر على
Littéralement: stay at
Use `keep at` to encourage someone to continue working hard on a specific, challenging task or skill.
En 15 secondes
- Persist with a difficult or repetitive task.
- Commonly used for encouragement in skills and hobbies.
- Focuses on the effort required to finish something.
Signification
It means to keep doing something even when it gets difficult or boring. It is about not giving up on a specific task or skill.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Encouraging a friend learning a language
Learning English is hard, but if you keep at it, you will be fluent soon.
Learning English is hard, but if you keep at it, you will be fluent soon.
A boss talking to an employee on a tough project
I know this report is tedious, but please keep at it until it's done.
I know this report is tedious, but please keep at it until it's done.
Texting a friend who is at the gym
Don't give up on those squats! Keep at it!
Don't give up on those squats! Keep at it!
Contexte culturel
The phrase reflects the Western cultural ideal of 'grit' and the belief that mastery comes from repetitive effort. It gained significant traction in the mid-20th century as a common motivational idiom in sports and education. In many English-speaking countries, telling someone to 'keep at it' is seen as a high form of encouragement rather than a command.
The 'It' Factor
If the person already knows what you are talking about, just say 'Keep at it!' It's the most common way to use the phrase.
Don't confuse with 'Keep on'
Use `keep on` for actions (keep on running) and `keep at` for tasks or nouns (keep at the project).
En 15 secondes
- Persist with a difficult or repetitive task.
- Commonly used for encouragement in skills and hobbies.
- Focuses on the effort required to finish something.
What It Means
Keep at is your go-to phrase for persistence. It means you continue working on something specific. It is not just about 'surviving.' It is about active effort. Think of a difficult puzzle. You might want to quit. But you keep at it until it is finished. It implies that the task takes time. It suggests that consistency is the key to success.
How To Use It
This phrase is a phrasal verb. You usually put the task right after at. For example, keep at your studies. You can also use it with it if the task is already known. If you are practicing guitar, your friend might say, "Keep at it!" It sounds very natural in conversation. It is shorter and punchier than saying "continue your efforts."
When To Use It
You use this when someone is learning a new skill. It is perfect for the gym or office. Use it when a friend feels frustrated. It works well for long-term projects. Use it to encourage your kids with homework. It is a great way to show you believe in someone's progress. It feels supportive and warm.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for passive situations. You do not keep at watching a movie. Do not use it for things you enjoy easily. If you love eating pizza, you do not keep at it. That sounds like the pizza is hard work! Also, avoid it in very tragic situations. If someone is grieving, "keep at it" sounds cold. It is for tasks, not just existing.
Cultural Background
English-speaking cultures often value the "grind." There is a big focus on individual persistence. Phrases like keep at reflect the "Protestant work ethic." It is the idea that hard work eventually pays off. It became very popular in sports and self-help circles. It is less about luck and more about your own stubbornness. It is a very "can-do" American and British sentiment.
Common Variations
You might hear stick with it. That is very similar but feels more like staying attached. Keep on is another one. However, keep on usually needs an -ing verb like keep on running. Keep at is unique because it focuses on the object or the task itself. It feels more targeted. It is like a laser focus on one specific goal.
Notes d'usage
The phrase is neutral and fits almost any situation from a casual chat to a business email. The most important rule is to follow it with a noun or the pronoun 'it'.
The 'It' Factor
If the person already knows what you are talking about, just say 'Keep at it!' It's the most common way to use the phrase.
Don't confuse with 'Keep on'
Use `keep on` for actions (keep on running) and `keep at` for tasks or nouns (keep at the project).
The 'Coach' Vibe
In the US, this phrase is often used by coaches or mentors. It carries a vibe of 'I believe in your potential.'
Exemples
6Learning English is hard, but if you keep at it, you will be fluent soon.
Learning English is hard, but if you keep at it, you will be fluent soon.
Used here to motivate someone through a long-term process.
I know this report is tedious, but please keep at it until it's done.
I know this report is tedious, but please keep at it until it's done.
Professional but encouraging tone for a boring task.
Don't give up on those squats! Keep at it!
Don't give up on those squats! Keep at it!
Short, punchy encouragement via text.
Well, the cake is burnt, but keep at it; you'll be a chef by 2050!
Well, the cake is burnt, but keep at it; you'll be a chef by 2050!
Using the phrase to joke about a lack of skill.
Your paintings are beautiful; you just have to keep at your craft.
Your paintings are beautiful; you just have to keep at your craft.
Shows deep support for someone's passion.
I've been keeping at my gardening all summer, and finally, I have tomatoes.
I've been keeping at my gardening all summer, and finally, I have tomatoes.
Describing personal persistence.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct preposition to complete the motivational phrase.
If you want to play the piano like a pro, you need to keep ___ it every day.
`Keep at` is the specific collocation used for persisting with a task or skill.
Complete the sentence to encourage a colleague.
The coding bug is tricky, but if you ___ at it, you'll find the solution.
`Keep at it` is the natural idiomatic expression for continuing work on a problem.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Keep at'
Used with friends/family.
Keep at it, bro!
Standard workplace or daily use.
You should keep at your exercises.
Rarely used; 'Persist' is preferred.
One must keep at the endeavor.
Where to use 'Keep at'
Learning an Instrument
Keep at the violin!
Weight Loss/Gym
Keep at the diet.
Difficult Homework
Keep at the math.
Fixing a Car
Keep at the engine.
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsIt means to continue working on something difficult or repetitive. For example, keep at your piano practice means don't stop practicing.
Yes, keep on is usually followed by a verb ending in -ing, like keep on dancing. Keep at is followed by a noun or 'it', like keep at it.
Absolutely. It is neutral and professional. You can say, "We need to keep at this marketing strategy to see results."
No, it is almost always encouraging. However, if said in a mean tone, it could sound like you are forcing someone to do boring work.
Use keep at it when the task is already mentioned. If your friend is studying, just say, "Keep at it!"
No, it is a standard phrasal verb. It is used by people of all ages in everyday English.
Common synonyms include persist with, stick with, or plug away at.
No, you keep at a task, not a person. You wouldn't say "keep at your brother."
Usually, yes. We don't say keep at it for easy things like eating candy or watching TV.
It is very common in both! It's a universal English expression.
Yes, you can say, "He kept at his studies and eventually passed the exam."
A common mistake is forgetting the at. Don't say "keep it"; say "keep at it" if you mean persistence.
Expressions liées
stick with it
To continue doing something despite difficulties.
plug away
To work steadily and hard at something.
hang in there
To remain persistent in a difficult situation.
soldier on
To continue even when things are very tough or unpleasant.
Commentaires (0)
Connectez-vous pour CommenterCommencez à apprendre les langues gratuitement
Commence Gratuitement