In 15 Seconds
- Encourages someone to continue their effort despite current difficulties.
- Short, positive, and works in almost any social situation.
- Focuses on the process of working rather than the final result.
Meaning
This phrase is a friendly way to tell someone to keep going and not give up. It means you should continue your efforts even if things are difficult right now.
Key Examples
3 of 6Encouraging a friend learning a language
Your pronunciation is getting better, so keep trying!
Your pronunciation is getting better, so continue your effort!
A boss talking to an employee on a tough project
This code is tricky, but keep trying; you are close to a solution.
This code is difficult, but continue working; you are almost there.
Texting a friend who is frustrated with dating
Don't let one bad date stop you. Keep trying! 🥂
Don't let one bad date stop you. Don't give up!
Cultural Background
The phrase is linked to the 'can-do' attitude. Americans often value 'grit' and 'hustle,' making 'keep trying' a very common piece of advice in both personal and professional life. While 'keep trying' is used, the concept of 'Ganbaru' is more deeply ingrained, often implying a level of perseverance that is a social responsibility to the group. Often associated with the 'stiff upper lip'—the idea of remaining resolute and unemotional during adversity. Persistence is often linked to the 'jeitinho brasileiro'—finding a way to succeed despite obstacles, often through creative or informal means.
The -ing Rule
Always use the -ing form after 'keep.' It's the most common mistake for A2 learners!
Tone Matters
If you say it too fast or with a flat voice, it can sound like you don't care. Use a rising, bright tone for encouragement.
In 15 Seconds
- Encourages someone to continue their effort despite current difficulties.
- Short, positive, and works in almost any social situation.
- Focuses on the process of working rather than the final result.
What It Means
Keep trying is a warm, encouraging push. It tells someone that their goal is still possible. It suggests that success is just a matter of time and effort. It is like a verbal high-five for your brain. You use it when a friend is struggling with a new skill. It is perfect for when a task feels a bit too heavy.
How To Use It
You can use it as a short, stand-alone sentence. Just say Keep trying! with a smile. You can also add it to the end of a longer thought. For example, It is hard, but keep trying. It works well in person or over a quick text message. It is very flexible and fits almost any conversation. Just remember to sound supportive, not like a bossy coach.
When To Use It
Use it when someone feels a little bit frustrated. It is great for a friend learning to cook a new dish. Use it at work when a colleague is stuck on a problem. It is perfect for kids who are learning to ride a bike. If you see someone making an effort, this phrase fits. It turns a moment of failure into a moment of growth.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it if someone is truly exhausted or upset. If a friend just lost their job, keep trying might sound cold. Avoid it if the person has already failed ten times today. Sometimes people just need a break, not more work. Also, do not use it in very serious legal situations. It is a bit too casual for a courtroom or a funeral. Use your heart to feel if they need a push or a hug.
Cultural Background
English speakers love the idea of 'grit' and 'persistence.' There is a famous old saying: 'If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.' Keep trying is the modern, shorter version of that spirit. It reflects a culture that values hard work and personal growth. It is the 'American Dream' in two simple words. It is the language of gyms, startups, and classrooms everywhere.
Common Variations
You might hear people say Keep at it or Don't give up. Some friends might say Hang in there if things are really tough. If you want to be cool, try Keep on keepin' on. For a more formal vibe, you could say Continue your efforts. But Keep trying remains the most common and friendly choice. It is the 'Goldilocks' of encouragement—just right.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral and safe for almost any situation. The only 'gotcha' is the tone; ensure you sound encouraging rather than demanding.
The -ing Rule
Always use the -ing form after 'keep.' It's the most common mistake for A2 learners!
Tone Matters
If you say it too fast or with a flat voice, it can sound like you don't care. Use a rising, bright tone for encouragement.
Add 'Just'
Adding 'just' (Just keep trying!) makes the advice sound softer and more friendly.
Know when to stop
In some professional contexts, 'keep trying' might be seen as ignoring a problem. Sometimes 're-evaluate' is a better strategy.
Examples
6Your pronunciation is getting better, so keep trying!
Your pronunciation is getting better, so continue your effort!
Focuses on progress to make the encouragement feel real.
This code is tricky, but keep trying; you are close to a solution.
This code is difficult, but continue working; you are almost there.
Professional but supportive to keep morale high.
Don't let one bad date stop you. Keep trying! 🥂
Don't let one bad date stop you. Don't give up!
Uses an emoji to keep the mood light and supportive.
You almost caught the ball that time! Keep trying, champ.
You almost caught it! Continue your effort, winner.
Using 'champ' adds a playful, slightly sarcastic but kind tone.
I know the diet is hard today, but please keep trying for your health.
I know the diet is hard today, but please continue for your health.
Used in a deeply personal and caring way.
That is a great first draft. Keep trying and it will be perfect.
That is a great first draft. Continue working on it.
Standard academic encouragement.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'try'.
I know the piano is difficult, but you must keep _______.
After the verb 'keep' (meaning to continue), we always use the -ing form (gerund).
Which sentence is the most natural way to encourage a friend?
Your friend failed their driving test. What do you say?
'Keep trying!' is the standard, natural idiomatic expression for encouragement.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: A colleague is struggling with a new software program.
This response provides relevant encouragement for learning a new skill.
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
A: I've tried to call the bank five times, but the line is always busy. B: ________. It's important that you talk to them today.
The imperative 'Keep trying' is used here to suggest the person should continue their attempts.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI know the piano is difficult, but you must keep _______.
After the verb 'keep' (meaning to continue), we always use the -ing form (gerund).
Your friend failed their driving test. What do you say?
'Keep trying!' is the standard, natural idiomatic expression for encouragement.
Situation: A colleague is struggling with a new software program.
This response provides relevant encouragement for learning a new skill.
A: I've tried to call the bank five times, but the line is always busy. B: ________. It's important that you talk to them today.
The imperative 'Keep trying' is used here to suggest the person should continue their attempts.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is generally very polite and supportive. However, don't use it if someone is very upset about a major failure.
They mean the same thing, but 'keep on trying' is more emphatic and often used in songs or emotional speeches.
No, this is grammatically incorrect. You must use the gerund: 'keep trying.'
It depends. If your boss is struggling with a small task (like a printer), it's fine. If it's a major business strategy, it might sound too casual.
Use a flat tone and roll your eyes. 'Yeah... keep trying.'
'Keep at it' is better for long-term projects. 'Keep trying' is better for immediate actions.
Yes! 'Keep trying to open the jar' is perfectly natural.
The past tense is 'kept trying.' For example: 'I kept trying until I won.'
It's a bit casual for formal essays. Use 'persist' or 'continue to strive' instead.
'Try again' is a single instruction. 'Keep trying' suggests a continuous effort.
Related Phrases
Keep at it
synonymTo continue working hard at something.
Stick with it
similarTo not give up on a difficult task.
Hang in there
similarTo remain brave and determined in a difficult situation.
Give up
contrastTo stop trying to do something.
Keep on trying
builds onTo continue trying despite many obstacles.
