Cool MateCarry on vs That's good keep it up
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Carry on
Top 2,000 (common)
That's good keep it up
InformalTop 3,000 (common)
Most formal: Carry onMost common: Carry on
| Carry on | That's good keep it up | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈkæri ɒn//🇺🇸 //ˈkæri ɑn// | 🇬🇧 //ðæts ɡʊd kiːp ɪt ʌp//🇺🇸 //ðæts ɡʊd kiːp ɪt ʌp// |
| Meaning | To continue doing something. | A phrase to encourage someone to continue doing well. |
| Example | Despite the distractions, she decided to carry on with her studies. | Your presentation was excellent! That's good, keep it up! |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| Collocations | carry on working, carry on despite, carry on with a task | keep up the good work, keep it going, keep pushing, keep moving, keep trying |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'carry out', which means to perform or execute., Using 'carry on' without a gerund or direct object when required. | Using 'keep it up' alone without context., Confusing with 'good job' which is less specific., Overusing in professional situations. |
| Usage notes | Use 'carry on' to describe continuing an action. It's appropriate in both spoken and written contexts but can sound informal in very formal writing. | Used to motivate someone after a positive effort. Typically informal, suitable among friends and peers. Avoid in formal settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: Carry on vs That's good keep it up
What's the difference between Carry on and That's good keep it up?
Carry on: To continue doing something. That's good keep it up: A phrase to encourage someone to continue doing well.
Which is more formal: Carry on and That's good keep it up?
Carry on is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Carry on and That's good keep it up?
Carry on is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Carry on: Despite the distractions, she decided to carry on with her studies. That's good keep it up: Your presentation was excellent! That's good, keep it up!
Can I use Carry on and That's good keep it up interchangeably?
Not always. Carry on and That's good keep it up are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.