GRAMMAR HELP
How would I correct this sentence?:  "They couldn't catch him and nobody ever seemed to make him go very far away, he just stopped howling for a little while"
from Anonymus submit
Q:
A:
Well I assume you are talking about a dog. Perhaps you can rewrite your sentence  this way:
"They were unable to catch him and nobody could repel him. While they were trying that, he would just stop howling for a while and then kept on."
Q:
Would you agree that the following phrasal verbs have only TWO meanings in common in which they are interchangeable:
hold on - 1. maintain one's grip or footing: If a branch is near you, hold on until we can get a rope.
2. continue; last: Rain held on steadily all afternoon.
3. continue travelling: Hold on down the road until you come to the railway crossing.
4. wait on the telephone: I'm afraid the line is busy, would you like  to hold on?
5. continue in spite of difficulties; refuse to yield: Painting the house is tiring, but if you hold on, the results are worth the effort.

keep on - 1. = hold on 3: Turn left at the corner and keep on as far as
the church.
2. = hold on 5: Even if you fail the examination again, you must try to
keep on until you pass.
3. talk at length about smth. (usually showing disapproval): Don't keep
on so, it'll only make you worry more.
from Yuri
A:
After consulting another dictionary I would agree that the meaning "to continue or persist" is same for both phrasal verbs. I have not met the entry as in your definitions (keep on = hold on 3)  but from what I read in your email this sounds reasonable. On the other hand, I did not find any other meanings common to these phrasals.
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