How Do You Spell KEEP AT?

Pronunciation: [kˈiːp at] (IPA)

The phrase "keep at" is spelled with the letters K-E-E-P-A-T. The first syllable, 'keep', is pronounced /ki:p/ with a long 'e' sound followed by the 'p' sound. The second syllable, 'at', is pronounced /æt/ with a short 'a' sound followed by the 't' sound. Together, they form a phrasal verb meaning to persist or continue doing something. Proper spelling is essential for effective communication and clarity in written communication.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Conjugate verb
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KEEP AT Meaning and Definition

  1. Keep at is a phrasal verb that is used to convey persistence or continuous effort in doing something. It implies the act of persevering or persisting despite difficulties, obstacles, or setbacks. When someone "keeps at" a task or objective, they maintain their dedication and determination to achieve it over an extended period.

    The phrase "keep at" is often associated with the idea of sticking with something despite challenges or discouragement. It suggests a refusal to give up or abandon a task or goal. This can involve steadily working towards a desired outcome, whether it is mastering a skill, completing a project, or achieving a personal ambition.

    To "keep at" something not only requires maintaining physical effort but also mental resilience, as it involves maintaining focus, staying motivated, and overcoming possible setbacks along the way. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining one's commitment and resolve in order to attain the desired result.

    For instance, if someone is learning a new instrument and experiences difficulties in playing a complex piece, they might have to "keep at" it by practicing regularly, seeking guidance, and persisting through the challenges until they achieve proficiency.

    In summary, "keep at" is a phrasal verb indicating persistent effort, determination, and perseverance in pursuing a task or goal, despite difficulties or obstacles that may arise.

Common Misspellings for KEEP AT

  • jeep at
  • meep at
  • leep at
  • oeep at
  • ieep at
  • kwep at
  • ksep at
  • kdep at
  • krep at
  • k4ep at
  • k3ep at
  • kewp at
  • kesp at
  • kedp at
  • kerp at
  • ke4p at
  • ke3p at
  • keeo at
  • keel at
  • kee- at

Etymology of KEEP AT

The phrase "keep at" can have multiple meanings, depending on the context. However, in general, the etymology of "keep at" can be traced back to Middle English.

The word "keep" originated from Old English "cēpan", which meant "to care, watch over, guard". Over time, it evolved and gained various meanings, including "to continue doing something, to persist".

The preposition "at" has a long history in English, originating from the Old English word "æt" with the same meaning. It is related to the Old Norse word "at" and the German word "an", both of which have similar meanings.

When "keep" and "at" are combined, the phrase "keep at" came into use during the Middle English period, around the 14th century.

Idioms with the word KEEP AT

  • keep at (someone or something) The idiom "keep at (someone or something)" means to persistently or diligently continue doing or pursuing someone or something, despite obstacles, resistance, or challenges. It implies a sense of determination and perseverance in not giving up easily.
  • keep at it The idiom "keep at it" means to persist or continue in doing something difficult or challenging, despite obstacles or setbacks. It suggests maintaining perseverance, determination, and not giving up until a desired outcome is achieved.
  • keep at arm's length The idiom "keep at arm's length" means to maintain a certain distance or avoid excessive closeness in a relationship with someone or something. It suggests keeping a certain level of caution or reserve to prevent becoming too involved or intimate.
  • keep at arm's length from sm or sth The idiom "keep at arm's length from someone or something" means to maintain a distance or avoid getting too close to someone or something, usually because they are considered suspicious, dangerous, or undesirable. It implies maintaining a cautious or wary approach to prevent any possible harm, trouble, or involvement.
  • hand or keep at bay The idiom "hand or keep at bay" means to keep something or someone at a distance or under control. It usually refers to preventing or avoiding something undesirable or dangerous from reaching or affecting oneself.
  • keep at arm's length from someone or something The idiom "keep at arm's length from someone or something" means to maintain a cautious distance or to keep someone or something at a safe or controlled distance. It suggests avoiding close association or involvement, often due to mistrust, suspicion, or a desire to protect oneself.
  • keep at bay The idiom "keep at bay" means to keep someone or something at a distance or to prevent them from approaching or causing harm. It implies the act of repelling or controlling a threat or undesirable situation.
  • keep at arm’s length The idiom "keep at arm’s length" means to maintain a certain distance or avoid getting too involved or close with someone or something. It suggests the act of keeping a cautious or reserved attitude towards a person, situation, or relationship.
  • keep at someone The idiom "keep at someone" refers to persistently and continuously urging, pressurizing, or pestering someone to do something or to change their behavior. It implies maintaining a persistent effort or repeated attempts to get through to the person and to achieve the desired outcome.
  • keep at a distance The idiom "keep at a distance" means to maintain a physical or emotional separation from someone or something to avoid involvement, attachment, or potential harm. It suggests keeping a safe distance or showing caution towards someone or something.
  • keep at arm's length from The idiom "keep at arm's length from" means to maintain a safe distance or to keep someone or something at a distance, often because they are considered to be untrustworthy, dangerous, or undesirable.
  • keep at something The idiom "keep at something" means to persistently continue doing an activity or task, despite challenges, setbacks, or difficulties. It implies determination, resilience, and not giving up until the desired outcome is achieved.
  • keep at To persist or continue doing something, especially in the face of obstacles or challenges.

Conjugate verb Keep at

CONDITIONAL

I would keep at
you would keep at
he/she/it would keep at
we would keep at
they would keep at

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be keeping at
you would be keeping at
he/she/it would be keeping at
we would be keeping at
they would be keeping at

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have keep at
you would have keep at
he/she/it would have keep at
we would have keep at
they would have keep at

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been keeping at
you would have been keeping at
he/she/it would have been keeping at
we would have been keeping at
they would have been keeping at

FUTURE

I will keep at
you will keep at
he/she/it will keep at
we will keep at
they will keep at

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be keeping at
you will be keeping at
he/she/it will be keeping at
we will be keeping at
they will be keeping at

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have kept at
you will have kept at
he/she/it will have kept at
we will have kept at
they will have kept at

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been keeping at
you will have been keeping at
he/she/it will have been keeping at
we will have been keeping at
they will have been keeping at

IMPERATIVE

you keep at
we let´s keep at

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to keep at

PAST

I kept at
you kept at
he/she/it kept at
we kept at
they kept at

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was keeping at
you were keeping at
he/she/it was keeping at
we were keeping at
they were keeping at

PAST PARTICIPLE

kept at

PAST PERFECT

I had kept at
you had kept at
he/she/it had kept at
we had kept at
they had kept at

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been keeping at
you had been keeping at
he/she/it had been keeping at
we had been keeping at
they had been keeping at

PRESENT

I keep at
you keep at
he/she/it keeps at
we keep at
they keep at

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am keeping at
you are keeping at
he/she/it is keeping at
we are keeping at
they are keeping at

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

keeping at

PRESENT PERFECT

I have kept at
you have kept at
he/she/it has kept at
we have kept at
they have kept at

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been keeping at
you have been keeping at
he/she/it has been keeping at
we have been keeping at
they have been keeping at

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Correct spelling for keep at
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