Cool MateContinue vs That's good keep it up
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Continue
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
That's good keep it up
InformalTop 3,000 (common)
Most formal: ContinueMost common: Continue
| Continue | That's good keep it up | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kənˈtɪnjuː/","/kənˈtɪnjuːz/","/kənˈtɪnjuːd/","/kənˈtɪnjuːɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kənˈtɪnjuː/","/kənˈtɪnjuːz/","/kənˈtɪnjuːd/","/kənˈtɪnjuːɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ðæts ɡʊd kiːp ɪt ʌp//🇺🇸 //ðæts ɡʊd kiːp ɪt ʌp// |
| Meaning | To keep doing something without stopping. | A phrase to encourage someone to continue doing well. |
| Example | Please continue with your presentation after the break. | Your presentation was excellent! That's good, keep it up! |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | continue doing, continue with, continue on, continue to speak, continue until | keep up the good work, keep it going, keep pushing, keep moving, keep trying |
| Antonyms | stop, cease, halt | - |
| Common mistakes | 'Continue' followed by a noun instead of a gerund (e.g., 'continue the project' instead of 'continue doing the project'), Confusing 'continue' with 'resume' — 'resume' implies starting again after a pause, Using 'continue to' followed by an adjective (incorrect) instead of a verb (correct) | Using 'keep it up' alone without context., Confusing with 'good job' which is less specific., Overusing in professional situations. |
| Usage notes | Use 'continue' when talking about ongoing actions or processes. It's neutral, so it's appropriate in most contexts, but can sound too formal in casual conversations. Avoid using in contexts where you're suggesting to start something new. | 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: Continue vs That's good keep it up
What's the difference between Continue and That's good keep it up?
Continue: To keep doing something without stopping. That's good keep it up: A phrase to encourage someone to continue doing well.
Which is more formal: Continue and That's good keep it up?
Continue is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Continue and That's good keep it up?
Continue is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Continue: Please continue with your presentation after the break. That's good keep it up: Your presentation was excellent! That's good, keep it up!
Can I use Continue and That's good keep it up interchangeably?
Not always. Continue 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.