To keep vs. To keep on
I initially posted this in the Questions section but I feel I'll get more replies by using my Notebook.
Could someone explain or illustrate the subtle difference between 'to keep' and 'to keep on' when used as synonyms for 'to continue'?
In 'women keep earning less than...' I was first inclined to use 'keep on earning' but it seems 'keep earning' is the correct way. Thanks!
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Corrections · 6
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To keep vs. To keep on
I initially posted this in the Questions section but I feel I'll get more replies by using my Notebook.
Could someone explain or illustrate the subtle difference between 'to keep' and 'to keep on' when used as synonyms for 'to continue'?
In 'women keep earning less than...' I was first inclined to use 'keep on earning' but it seems 'keep earning' is the correct way. Thanks!
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I am a native english speaker. I think either is correct in this context and especially when written. When speaking the on is often kept to empasise the point made.
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Hi Derrick, but then how do you explain "women keep earning less"? Here it does not mean garder, so?
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keep on = continuer or tenir le coup ie: "keeps on bothering me" "keep on trucking"
keep = garder
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Maybe I should stop using "correct" or "incorrect" when dealing with words usage and go for "idiomatic" and "natural"!
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This is tough because here we use it interchangeably. I believe the more correct and direct way would be "keep earning" but if you say it with some doubt as in this example:
Are you going "to keep on" earning that amount of money? (you are questioning or are disgusted).
I would be interested to see what others have to say.....
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