Use keep cooking for encouragement in both literal kitchen and figurative project contexts, and choose a clearer verb when the literal sense is not intended.
Use keep cooking for encouragement in both literal kitchen and figurative project contexts, and choose a clearer verb when the literal sense is not intended.
Often the phrase is taken as a literal cooking instruction when the speaker means encouragement.
From the verb keep combined with cooking, originally a literal instruction that was extended metaphorically to mean encouragement.
What does keep cooking mean?
It means to continue with an activity or project, or literally to keep preparing food.
Can keep cooking be used outside the kitchen?
Yes, it is often used metaphorically to encourage ongoing work on any task.
Is keep cooking formal or informal?
It is neutral and works in both casual and professional settings.
How is keep cooking different from keep going?
Keep cooking adds a culinary metaphor, while keep going is more general.
Can keep cooking be used as a command?
It can be a direct instruction in a cooking context, but in other contexts it is usually encouragement rather than a command.
What are common mistakes with keep cooking?
People often use it when they mean a different verb, such as keep going, or apply it literally in non‑cooking situations.