[Idiom] keep up the good work

[ohmyrichard]

May I say "I’m always glad to hear your health is improving. Keep up the good work!"? I mean, can "keep up the good work" be used this way to encourage someone after his surgery?

Thanks.

Richard

[colloquium]

I think it's fine if it's what you want to say.

I suppose it's the same as "keep up the good effort".

Keep your chin up is a possible alternative.

I'm not a teacher.

[Kraken]

I've always used "keep up the good work" to encourage people actually doing something, not just resting and recovering from surgery.
Maybe they are not only passively recovering, but doing physical therapy and/or exercise, and thus improving their health with their effort.
In that case I would use it.
But I am not a teacher either.

[ohmyrichard]

Originally Posted by colloquium

I think it's fine if it's what you want to say.

I suppose it's the same as "keep up the good effort".

Keep your chin up is a possible alternative.

I'm not a teacher.

Thanks, colloquium. You do not need to be a teacher to teach me. You're a native speaker. If you feel comfortable with it, then it means it can be used in that situation. Your linguistic intuition is what I will rely on. Thanks again for your help.
Richard

[ohmyrichard]

Originally Posted by Kraken

I've always used "keep up the good work" to encourage people actually doing something, not just resting and recovering from surgery.
Maybe they are not only passively recovering, but doing physical therapy and/or exercise, and thus improving their health with their effort.
In that case I would use it.
But I am not a teacher either.

Although you're not a teacher, what you said makes sense and I take your point. You have a high level of English proficiency. Thanks.

[RonBee]

Originally Posted by Kraken

I've always used "keep up the good work" to encourage people actually doing something, not just resting and recovering from surgery.
Maybe they are not only passively recovering, but doing physical therapy and/or exercise, and thus improving their health with their effort.
In that case I would use it.

I agree. In the case of somebody whose health was improving I would say something like "Glad to hear it!"

[ohmyrichard]

Originally Posted by RonBee

I agree. In the case of somebody whose health was improving I would say something like "Glad to hear it!"

Thanks, RonBee.
Richard

[colloquium]

Originally Posted by Kraken

I've always used "keep up the good work" to encourage people actually doing something, not just resting and recovering from surgery.
Maybe they are not only passively recovering, but doing physical therapy and/or exercise, and thus improving their health with their effort.
In that case I would use it.
But I am not a teacher either.

I think that's definately true.

Keep up the good work is usually used for commending someone's actions (e.g. a boss/teacher commenting an employee/student's efforts).

However when used by friends or family members, I think it can just function as words of encouragement.

Keep at it

Don't give up

You're looking strong

etc etc

But I think it is down to personal choice. I doubt I would use it myself in the given context.

Personally, I'd probably feel inclined to use,

I'm always glad to hear your health is imporving, you're doing really well.

[tedtmc]

I definitely wouldn't say that to a friend who is recovering in the hospital.
Keep up the good work - what good work?

I'd say things like, 'get well soon' or 'wish you a speedy recovery' or 'I'm glad you're well on your way to recovery'.

[colloquium]

Originally Posted by tedtmc

I definitely wouldn't say that to a friend who is recovering in the hospital.
Keep up the good work - what good work?

I'd say things like, 'get well soon' or 'wish you a speedy recovery' or 'I'm glad you're well on your way to recovery'.

I think it's difficult to find real words of encouragement.

"Get well soon" or "I wish you a speedy recovery" are both fine, but they really just state "I hope chance is on your side" or "I'm praying that everything will be okay".

I think in a case such as this one, words of support should also attempt to reinforce the person's resolve to get better and lift their spirits - in addition to offering the usual "best wishes".

A positive frame of mind is, of course, very important when recovering from an illness/surgery - and sometimes attaining (and maintaining) that frame of mind can be a form of work.

I think what I'm really trying to say is that people shouldn't limit their use of language to tiresome gift-card cliches.

Sometimes you have to break the rules of "the norm" to get your feelings or intentions across.