keep at
B2Informal to neutral
Definition
Meaning
To persist with a task or activity; to continue making an effort, especially when it is difficult or requires perseverance.
To pressure or urge someone else to continue working on something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The particle 'at' indicates continued application of effort toward a specific target or goal. It implies a duration of focused, persistent activity. The object of the verb is typically a task, person, or problem.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage or meaning. Slightly more common in UK English in some informal contexts.
Connotations
Suggests determination, grit, and sometimes stubbornness. Can imply encouragement or mild nagging when used transitively.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties. No regional preference.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Someone] keeps at [something] (intransitive)[Someone] keeps [someone else] at [something] (transitive)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Keep at it! (expression of encouragement)”
- “Keep your nose to the grindstone (related concept)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to encourage team persistence on challenging projects or targets.
Academic
Used in advice for students tackling difficult research or complex subjects.
Everyday
Common in motivational speech for hobbies, learning, fitness, or home projects.
Technical
Rare in highly technical manuals; more common in project management contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She kept at her revision until she knew the material inside out.
- If you keep at learning the violin, you'll see improvement.
American English
- He kept at the budget report until it was perfect.
- Just keep at it, and you'll finish the marathon training.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The maths is hard, but keep at it.
- Keep at your drawing! It's getting better.
- If you keep at your English studies, you will become fluent.
- The coach told him to keep at his training.
- I know the research is frustrating, but we must keep at it to find a solution.
- She kept at the coding problem for hours until she debugged it.
- Despite the setbacks, the team kept doggedly at the prototype, refusing to be deterred by the initial failures.
- Her mentor kept her at the demanding task, believing it was essential for her professional development.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a woodpecker KEEPing its beak AT the tree, repeatedly and persistently, until it gets through.
Conceptual Metaphor
WORK/STUDY/PRACTICE IS A PHYSICAL FORCE APPLIED TO AN OBJECT (i.e., you apply your effort *at* the problem).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'держать у'. The Russian equivalent is typically 'продолжать (делать/работать над)', 'не сдаваться' or 'упорно продолжать'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'keep on at' which means to nag someone. 'Keep at' is about perseverance, not complaint.
- Using without an object: 'You need to keep at.' (Incorrect) vs. 'You need to keep at it.' (Correct).
Practice
Quiz
What is the meaning of 'keep at' in this sentence: 'My piano teacher really keeps at me to practice my scales.'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Keep at' means to persist with a specific task. 'Keep on' usually means to continue an action in general (e.g., 'keep on walking'), or 'keep on at someone' means to nag them.
Not usually. It requires an object, often the pronoun 'it' (e.g., 'Keep at it!') or a specific task (e.g., 'keep at your work').
It is neutral to informal. It is perfectly acceptable in everyday and business communication but might be replaced with 'persevere with' or 'persist in' in very formal writing.
No direct noun form. The related concept is 'perseverance', 'persistence', or 'doggedness'.