1 B1 idiomatic informal
To repeatedly talk about or mention the same topic, especially in a way that irritates others.
"My dad keeps on about how cheap petrol used to be when he was young."
inseparable
keep on about
B1 informal inseparable transitive
To repeatedly talk about the same subject, often in a way that others find annoying.
In plain English
To keep talking about the same thing again and again until it annoys people.
What does "keep on about" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
To persistently nag someone about a particular subject until they act on it.
"She kept on about the broken step until her landlord finally came to fix it."
inseparable
Usage tip
Strongly suggests the listener finds the repetition tedious or irritating. Common in everyday British and Australian English. Often used to describe complaints, opinions, or instructions that are repeated beyond what seems necessary. The phrase 'What are you keeping on about?' is a common idiomatic question.
Words that pair with "keep on about"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
same thing money diet rules mistake job
How to conjugate "keep on about"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
keep on about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
keeps on about
he/she/it
Past simple
kept on about
yesterday
Past participle
kept on about
have + pp
-ing form
keeping on about
continuous
Hear "keep on about" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "keep on about" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "keep on about"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
bang on about drone on about go on about harp on about rabbit on about
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.