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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Choose supportive language for difficulty, while recognizing that encouragement should fit the situation.
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Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThe story uses a well-known film expression, “just keep swimming,” to encourage persistence. It also presents “keep your head above water,” “hang in there,” “resilient,” and the more formal “indefatigable.” These expressions range from casual encouragement to a description of someone who can recover or adapt after difficulty.
Cultural note: “Just keep swimming” is a pop-culture reference and may not land with everyone. Encouraging someone to continue can be kind, but it can also minimize exhaustion or a problem that needs help. Ask what support the person wants; “I’m here with you” may fit better than “don’t give up.”
Keep exploringEncouraging words can help—but the most supportive phrase depends on what the person is facing.
Phrase guide · 5 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Offer a brief, informal message of support.
Meaning
Keep going through a difficult stretch instead of giving up.
Tone & use
Informal pop-culture reference. Use it when the other person welcomes encouragement; do not use it to dismiss a serious need for help.
Example
“The application process was taking longer than expected, so her friend reminded her to keep going one step at a time.”
Meaning
Continue through a hard or frustrating period.
Tone & use
Warm and informal, but may sound too simple if someone needs practical help or acknowledgment.
Example
“Hang in there while the replacement part ships; I can help you borrow a spare.”
Describe adapting to hardship without implying that support is unnecessary.
Meaning
Manage to survive or cope with a difficult situation, often with little extra capacity.
Tone & use
Can describe finances, workload, or emotional pressure. It often suggests that things are still hard.
Example
“With two deadlines this week, I’m just keeping my head above water.”
Meaning
Able to recover, adapt, or continue after difficulty.
Tone & use
A useful adjective, but avoid using it to suggest people should tolerate preventable harm without support.
Example
“The resilient team learned from the outage and improved its backup plan.”
Match encouragement to the relationship and seriousness of the situation.
Meaning
Persisting with energy and determination without seeming to tire.
Tone & use
Formal and uncommon; it can sound admiring, though real people still need rest.
Example
“The indefatigable volunteer kept organizing community cleanups, while making sure the group shared the workload.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
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