What’s the difference between keep and keep on? Keep is a verb that means to hold or retain something, while keep on is an adverb meaning to continue doing something. For example, you might keep your belongings in a safe place, or keep on trying until you succeed. Knowing the difference between these two words can help you use them correctly in your writing!
What is Keep?
Keep is a word with a variety of meanings. It can be used as a noun, meaning a stronghold or fortress, or as a verb, meaning to maintain or preserve. In either case, the word keep conveys the idea of security and protection. Keep also has a more figurative meaning, referring to something that one holds dear or close to one’s heart. In this sense, keep is often used in conjunction with the word close, as in “keep close to your heart.” Keep can also be used in the phrases “keep an eye on” and “keep tabs on,” which refer to monitoring someone or something closely.
What is Keep On?
Keep On is an English word meaning “to continue doing something.” It can be used as both a standalone verb and as part of a larger verb phrase.
- For example, you might say “I’m going to Keep On walking until I reach the end of the trail” or “Please Keep On reading so we can get through this chapter tonight.” Keep On is often used as a motivational phrase, urging someone to not give up or to keep working hard.
- In this usage, it can act as both a command and encouragement. For example, you might say “Keep On trying!” to someone who is struggling with a task.
- Keep On can also be shortened to just “Keep,” as in the phrase “Keep at it.” In this case, Keep On acts as an imperative, meaning that it is an order or command. Whether you use Keep On or Keep, the meaning is the same: to continue doing something.
Difference between Keep and Keep On
Keep and Keep On have different implications. Keep implies that you will do something regularly or consistently whereas Keep On implies that you will continue doing something despite any difficulties. For example, if you say “I’m going to keep studying,” it means that you will study regularly or consistently.
- However, if you say “I’m going to keep on studying,” it means that you will continue studying despite any difficulties. Keep On is often used when referring to a hobby or an activity that you enjoy doing.
- For example, “I’m going to keep on playing the piano even though I’m not very good at it.” Keep is often used when referring to a duty or a responsibility.
- For example, “I need to keep my room clean.” Keep can also be used when referring to a promise or an agreement. For example, “I promised to keep my grades up this semester.” Keep On can also be used when referring to a goal or a plan.
- For example, “I’m going to keep on working out so that I can lose weight.” Keep and Keep On are both verbs and have similar meanings.
- However, they are used in different contexts and have different implications. Keep implies that you will do something regularly or consistently whereas Keep On implies that you will continue doing something despite any difficulties.
- Keep is often used when referring to a duty or a responsibility whereas Keep On is often used when referring to a hobby or an activity that you enjoy doing.
Keep can also be used when referring to a promise or an agreement whereas Keep On can be used when referring to a goal or a plan. Overall, Keep and Keep On are two different verbs with different implications.
Conclusion
In short, keep is used when you want to stop an action or state, while keep on is used to continue something. If you remember this simple difference, you’ll be using these words correctly in no time!
