keep at
B1 informal inseparable both
In simple words
To not give up on a difficult task, or to keep asking someone to do something again and again.
Meanings
1 A2
idiomatic
informal
To continue working on something difficult without giving up.
"Learning to play the piano is hard at first, but if you keep at it, you'll improve."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1
idiomatic
informal
To repeatedly pressure or nag someone to do something.
"She kept at him until he finally agreed to call the doctor."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
When used reflexively or with a task as object (keep at it / keep at the work), it means to persevere. When used with a person as object (keep at someone), it means to repeatedly push or nag that person to do something.
Commonly used with
it practice studying work training task
Forms
Base
keep at
I/you/we/they
3rd person
keeps at
he/she/it
Past simple
kept at
yesterday
Past participle
kept at
have + pp
-ing form
keeping at
continuous
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Synonyms
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