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."
inseparable
keep at
B1 informal inseparable transitive/intransitive
To continue working hard at something despite difficulty, or to nag someone repeatedly to do something.
In plain English
To not give up on a difficult task, or to keep asking someone to do something again and again.
What does "keep at" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
inseparable
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "keep at"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
it practice studying work training task
How to conjugate "keep at"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "keep at" in the wild
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Other ways to say "keep at"
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