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Grammar fix

keep at

continue doing something (even if it is difficult)

To keep doing something, especially when it is hard or takes a long time.

phrasal verbB1occasional

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • 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

Fix the pattern

Pattern: keep at + noun/gerund

WrongKeep at to practise every day.

RightKeep at it and practise every day.

'Keep at' takes an object ('keep at it'), and 'keep at it' is the usual fixed form.

Patternkeep at + noun/gerund

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff You must persevere with the task despite its difficulty.

Natural Just keep at it — you'll get there.

'Keep at it' is the natural encouragement; 'persevere with the task' is formal.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • keep at it
    itkeepand you'llif you

Don't confuse it

Compare with 'give up', which means to stop trying.

Try it in Daily Speak →