keep on

To continue doing something, or to do it again and again.

• Keep on trying.
• The phone kept on ringing all morning.
• Why do you keep on asking the same question?

How to use it: keep on doing something (He kept on walking despite the rain.)

Similar words: continue, carry on, persist

Opposites: stop

Common phrases: keep on trying, keep on working, keep on going

To let a light, machine, or other device stay working, or let something stay open.

• Keep the light on.
• We kept the heating on all night.
• Should I keep this fan on?

How to use it: keep something on (Please keep the radio on while I cook.)

Similar words: leave on

Opposites: turn off

Common phrases: keep the light on, keep it on, keep the heating on

To let someone continue in their job or position.

• They decided to keep him on.
• The company kept on three temporary workers.
• Will the new owner keep you on as manager?

How to use it: keep someone on (The shop kept me on after the holidays.); keep someone on as something (They kept her on as an adviser.)

Similar words: retain

Opposites: dismiss, fire

Common phrases: keep on staff, keep on an assistant, keep someone on

To talk about the same thing again and again, often annoying someone.

• Stop keeping on about it.
• He kept on about the noise next door.
• Why does she keep on at me about my clothes?

How to use it: keep on about something (She keeps on about the price of everything.); keep on at someone about something (Dad kept on at me about my messy room.)

Similar words: go on, nag, harp on

Common phrases: keep on about money, keep on at someone, keep on about something