keep at — continue doing something (even if it is difficult)
phrasal verbB1IELTS 5+neutraloccasional
To keep doing something, especially when it is hard or takes a long time.
Say it like a native
Textbook You must persevere with the task despite its difficulty.
Native Just keep at it — you'll get there.
'Keep at it' is the natural encouragement; 'persevere with the task' is formal.
Pattern: keep at + noun/gerund
In use
- If you keep at your English practice, you'll see big improvements.daily life
- When I was preparing for the IELTS exam, I kept at studying every day, even when I felt tired.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ Keep at to practise every day.
✓ Keep at it and practise every day.
'Keep at' takes an object ('keep at it'), and 'keep at it' is the usual fixed form.
Common collocations
keep at it— it, keep, and you'll, if you
Don't confuse it
Compare with 'give up', which means to stop trying.