Keep existing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Keep existing" is not correct in standard written English as it lacks clarity and context.
It could be used in a context where one is advising someone to maintain their current state or presence, but it is ambiguous. Example: "In a world of constant change, sometimes it's best to just keep existing and not overthink things."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Fund managers, interested in keeping their fees up, were under pressure to attract fresh money or keep existing assets from disappearing.

The New York Times

"You keep existing".

The New York Times

Adam Prestwood: Studied to keep existing job Adam, 28, studied with Open University.

The Guardian - Money

He eventually won concessions to keep existing Visteon workers on the automaker's payroll for life.

The New York Times

In an ideal world countries would keep existing deals going, Hood said.

The Guardian - Business

Such stories encourage new investors to take part and to keep existing investors in the game.

The Economist

Customer service involves an array of activities to keep existing customers satisfied.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Matthew Needham says to get more clients you have to keep existing customers engaged.

The New York Times

So far, though, it is proving easier to keep existing investors than attract new ones.

The Economist

But I am 30 years old and I can't keep existing on a month-to-month basis," she says.

The Guardian

We want to keep existing facilities like the swimming pool but also improve the building and provide more facilities".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep existing", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being kept in its current state to avoid ambiguity. For example, clarify with "keep existing systems", "keep existing policies", etc.

Common error

Avoid using "keep existing" without specifying what you are referring to. The phrase is incomplete without a noun or object to clarify what should be kept. Instead of saying "We must keep existing", specify, "We must keep existing infrastructure".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Keep existing" functions as a directive phrase, typically used to suggest the continuation or preservation of something in its current form. As Ludwig AI's analysis suggests, the phrase is often used imprecisely and requires context to be fully understood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Reference

6%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Keep existing" is commonly used to advocate for maintaining something in its current state. However, as Ludwig AI pointed out, it often lacks clarity and requires additional context to specify what is being kept. While frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, alternatives like "maintain current" or "retain present" may offer greater precision. Ensure to provide sufficient context when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Retain existing

Similar to 'keep existing' but places more emphasis on not losing what already exists.

Maintain current

Replaces "keep" with "maintain" and "existing" with "current", emphasizing preservation.

Retain present

Uses "retain" instead of "keep" and "present" instead of "existing", highlighting holding onto something.

Preserve current

Emphasizes the act of preserving something in its current state.

Sustain existing

Focuses on the continuation of something already in place.

Uphold current

Implies a responsibility to maintain or defend something.

Conserve existing

Highlights the careful use and preservation of something.

Safeguard current

Emphasizes protection of the current state.

Protect existing

Focuses on shielding something from harm or change.

Maintain the status quo

This alternative refers to the current state of affairs being unaltered.

FAQs

What does "Keep existing" mean?

"Keep existing" generally means to maintain something in its current state or condition. To ensure clarity, it's better to specify what is being maintained, such as "keep existing policies" or "keep existing systems".

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

Use "keep existing" to describe the act of preserving something without changes. For example, "The company plans to "keep existing benefits" for all employees".

What are some alternatives to "Keep existing"?

Alternatives to "Keep existing" include "maintain current", "retain present", or "preserve current". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "Keep existing"?

While commonly used, "Keep existing" is often considered grammatically incomplete. For more precise language, specify the object being kept, such as "keep existing resources". Ludwig AI notes that this usage can be unclear without additional context.