For next term vs. For next terms

Dear teachers,

I have a question for you.

a. I hope you will keep on your good grade next term.
b. I hope you will keep on your good grade for next term.
c. I hope you will keep on your good grade for next terms.

Which one is correct? Please explain.

Thanks in advance.

Jupiter

Hi, Jupiter. I think you mean “keep up” or “keep.” “Keep on” usually means to continue an (often-negative) action, whereas the others more commonly mean “maintain.”

He kept on picking on her.
He kept on e-mailing me.
He kept on asking me to go out with him.

After you change “on,” options A and B are both fine. Option C has a different meaning and requires the definite article. The other two specifically refer to the coming term only, whereas C refers to at least the next two terms and possibly more.

Thanks for your explanation, Mordant. That really helps. I thought all of them are correct. Now choice C needs definite article. I got it. But one of my coworker said B is not correct. We don’t use “for” before next (like next week or next year). How can I convince him that B is correct?

Thanks a lot,

Jupiter

Jupiter, you can indeed use “for” before “next week” or “next year.” I would prefer sentence A to B myself, though.

I hope you’ll retain your positive attitude for next year, when you’ll need it.
Please prepare for next year.
Save your money for next week.