Keep alive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Keep alive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to express the idea of maintaining something in a state of existence or activity, such as a project, a relationship, or a concept. Example: "We need to keep alive the spirit of innovation in our company to stay competitive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

But we keep alive.

The New Yorker

They keep alive uneconomic energy-intensive firms.

The Economist

It's a good issue to keep alive.

The New York Times

Cells are hard to keep alive".

The New York Times

"But this will be difficult to keep alive.

The New York Times - Sports

It is the four's task to keep alive the tradition.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

The keep-alive message tells the gateway that the node is active.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Furthermore, it is also in charge of managing the keep-alive messages sent by the devices.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

In industrial wireless mesh networks, each node exchanges its information with neighbors using "keep-alive" messages.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

In this study, "keep-alive" message is expanded to contain the routing information for pheromone diffusion.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

As this step stops, the properties of "keep-alive" message are reset to their default configuration.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep alive", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being maintained or sustained. For example, "keep alive the hope" or "keep alive the tradition".

Common error

Avoid using "keep alive" in overly passive constructions, which can weaken the impact of your writing. Instead of "the project was kept alive by funding", try "funding kept the project alive."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Keep alive" primarily functions as a verb phrase, expressing the action of maintaining or sustaining something in a state of existence or activity. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, such as maintaining hope, traditions, or even physical entities like cells.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Keep alive" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that expresses the action of maintaining or sustaining something. As Ludwig AI correctly points out, it is grammatically sound and applicable across a range of contexts, from preserving traditions to sustaining hopes. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal writing. When using this phrase, clarity is key, ensuring that the context clearly indicates what is being maintained. Understanding its nuances and potential alternatives will enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Maintain

Focuses on preserving the current state or condition of something.

Sustain

Emphasizes the ability to continue or support something over time.

Preserve

Highlights the act of protecting something from harm or decay.

Conserve

Implies careful use and avoidance of waste to ensure longevity.

Perpetuate

Suggests the act of causing something to continue indefinitely.

Keep going

Implies continuation of a process or activity.

Keep up

Focuses on maintaining a certain pace or standard.

Save

Emphasizes rescuing something from a negative outcome.

Nurture

Suggests providing care and support to promote growth and development.

Fuel

Implies providing the resources or energy needed to continue.

FAQs

How can I use "Keep alive" in a sentence?

You can use "Keep alive" to express the action of maintaining something in a state of activity or existence. For example: "We must "keep alive" the memory of those who fought for our freedom."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "Keep alive"?

Alternatives include "maintain", "sustain", or "preserve", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "Keep alive the memory" or "Keep the memory alive"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning. The choice often depends on stylistic preference and the rhythm of the sentence.

What is the difference between "Keep alive" and "Bring to life"?

"Keep alive" implies maintaining something that already exists, whereas "Bring to life" suggests creating something new or revitalizing something that was dormant. They are not interchangeable, and each is used in distinct contexts.