The phrase "keep on at" is commonly used in English to indicate persistence or continuation of an action or behavior. The spelling of this phrase can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), which represents the sounds of spoken language. The /k/ sound at the beginning is followed by the long vowel sound /i:/, and the second word is pronounced with a schwa sound /ən/ and a final /t/. Therefore, the IPA transcription of "keep on at" is /ki:p ɒn æt/.
The phrase "keep on at" is an idiomatic expression derived from the verb "keep" and the preposition "on," followed by the preposition "at" and often accompanied by an object. It is commonly used in informal or colloquial speech.
To "keep on at" someone is to persistently or continuously nag, urge, or pressure them to do something or to end a certain behavior. This phrase conveys a sense of tenacity or determination in the actions of the speaker towards the recipient. It implies a repetitive and insistent nature in the way someone communicates their requests or demands.
The term "keep on at" can be employed in various scenarios, such as a parent telling their child to complete a task, a supervisor admonishing an employee to meet a deadline, or a partner persistently reminding their significant other about a forgotten obligation.
In essence, "keep on at" denotes the act of consistently and continuously appealing, coaxing, or reproaching someone about a particular matter. It implies that the actions or words directed at the recipient are unyielding, repeated, and potentially annoying or tiresome in nature.
It is important to note that "keep on at" suggests a slightly negative connotation, as it can involve some level of pestering or annoyance, depending on the context and the individuals involved.