Jordi Jorge
Keep doing something vs Continue to do/doing something (Difference and Meaning) I would like to know the difference in meaning between the expressions 'to keep doing something' and 'to continue to do/doing something'. I wonder if the following definitions are correct. to keep doing something = not to stop doing something to continue to do/doing something = to continue with something that was previously paused or suspended Examples: 1. I have to keep playing the piano. 2. I have to continue playing the piano. 3. Keep bothering me and I will teach you a lesson. 3. Continue bothering me and I will teach you a lesson.
2020년 8월 1일 오전 12:09
답변 · 8
2
I don't perceive any difference between "to keep doing X" and "to continue to do X". Personally, if I wanted to convey that the activity was previously paused/suspended, I'd probably say: * I need to get back to playing the piano. * The company resumed construction of the office building. And actually, I might be more explicit and add some information about how long ago the activity ceased: * I need to get back to playing the piano; I've not touched a keyboard in years! * The company resumed construction of the office building after a 2 month hiatus.
2020년 8월 1일
1
As far as the meaning goes, they are exactly the same. The difference is in the register, and you can understand it from the etymology of each word. "Keep" is common speech, and it has a more direct, personal effect. You probably recognise "continue" as there's a similar word in Spanish. To the English mind, this sounds a little more formal and academic, so your example of "Continue bothering me and I will..." is understandable, but a bit "off". You need more direct language for a threat.
2020년 8월 1일
1
No difference. They have the same meaning, so you can use either of those sentences.
2020년 8월 1일
Thanks, Duncan, for your clarification!
2020년 8월 2일
A little warning about "teach you a lesson". It can sound quite threatening. If someone said that to me in a pub I would think that we were about to get into a fist fight (or that I should run away in the other direction very quickly). You might know this already, but I thought I should point it out.
2020년 8월 1일
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