Definition

Verb: - To continue to have someone or something remain in a place, position, or state; to retain or maintain. - To continue an action or condition.

Usage

The verb "keep on" is used to indicate the continuation of a state, employment, or action. It often implies persistence despite potential reasons to stop.

Examples

• (We cannot continue to employ several servants.)
• (We cannot continue to employ you.)
• (She continued working.)
• (He persisted in asking questions.)

Advanced Usage

• "Keep on" + gerund (-ing form): This is a common structure to express the continuation of an activity.
  • Just keep on trying; you'll succeed eventually.
• "Keep someone/something on": To continue to employ someone or maintain something.
  • The company decided to keep him on as a consultant.

Variants and Related Words

• Keep (verb): To have or retain possession of.
• Continue (verb): To persist in an activity or process.
• Retain (verb): To continue to have something; to keep possession of.

Synonyms

• Continue
• Persist
• Retain
• Maintain
• Carry on

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Keep at: To persist with a task.
  • Keep at it, and you'll finish the project.
• Keep up: To maintain a pace or standard.
  • It's hard to keep up with all the changes.

Related Idioms

• Keep on keeping on: To persist or continue despite difficulties.
  • Times are tough, but we just have to keep on keeping on.
• Keep on track: To continue progressing as planned.
  • Regular meetings help keep the project on track.

Verb

1. allow to remain in a place or position or maintain a property or feature
   • We cannot continue several servants any longer
   • She retains a lawyer
   • The family's fortune waned and they could not keep their household staff
   • Our grant has run out and we cannot keep you on
   • We kept the work going as long as we could
   • She retained her composure
   • this garment retains its shape even after many washings