Keep flat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Keep flat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to instruct someone to maintain a flat position or surface, such as with packaging or objects that should not be bent or curved. Example: "When storing the documents, please keep flat to avoid creasing."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The challenge for manufacturers is to keep flat panels hot.

Independent

The three curves keep flat after more than 8 h of discharge, indicating a high discharge voltage stability.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Simply break down after the cereal is finish and keep flat in piles awaiting reuse.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Building materials like fibre cement siding and lightweight concrete floors will keep flats cool during summer nights and help retain solar heat in winter.

The Guardian

But keep flats at your desk, just in case.

Huffington Post

It should be kept flat on a surface.

Independent

But then the state ran into fiscal trouble; funding was kept flat in 2009 and cut in 2010.

The New York Times

New materials such as iron and steel could span farther than timber, and asphalt and plastic kept flat roofs dry.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Under the collective bargaining agreements negotiated by unions for the clothing sector, wages were kept flat in 2011, while a rise of 1.3 percent was agreed to for 2012.

The New York Times

The government's policy on science has been to freeze the research and development budget, which has been ringfenced and kept flat at £4.6bn since 2011.

The Guardian

In Fig. 8, for the given transmit power budget (P_{l}^{text {max} }=1.5) mW, the maximum BER decreases first then keeps flat when I p,th increases.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When shipping delicate items, instruct handlers to "keep flat" to prevent damage during transit.

Common error

Avoid using "keep flat" when a more specific term like "keep level" or "keep smooth" better conveys the desired outcome. For example, use "keep level" when calibrating equipment and "keep smooth" when applying coatings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep flat" functions primarily as an imperative, giving a direct instruction to maintain a level or even surface. This is evident in the provided examples from Ludwig, where it is used in contexts ranging from shipping to crafting, all emphasizing the importance of preventing bending or wrinkling.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep flat" is an imperative phrase used to instruct someone to maintain a level or even surface to prevent damage or distortion. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct but relatively rare. Its usage spans various contexts including general guides, scientific instructions, and news reporting, as it can be seen by Ludwig's examples. To enhance clarity, consider using synonyms like "maintain a level surface" or "avoid bending" based on the specific situation. Understanding the correct application of "keep flat" can ensure clear and effective communication across different domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Keep level

Directly instructs to maintain a horizontal alignment, suitable for situations requiring precise leveling.

Maintain a level surface

Emphasizes the action of maintaining a surface in a level position, focusing on the ongoing effort.

Stay even

Highlights the uniformity and consistency of a surface or quantity, emphasizing balance.

Remain horizontal

Directly states the need to maintain a horizontal orientation, appropriate for technical or precise instructions.

Hold steady

Focuses on maintaining a stable position, particularly useful when physical effort is involved.

Preserve flatness

Stresses the importance of maintaining a flat condition over time, suggesting care and protection.

Do not fold

Explicitly prohibits folding, suitable for documents or items where creases are undesirable.

Avoid bending

Specifically advises against causing something to curve or angle, useful for fragile materials.

Keep unwrinkled

Focuses on preventing creases or folds, especially relevant for fabrics or paper.

Keep smooth

Emphasizes the maintenance of a surface without bumps or irregularities, implying a refined texture.

FAQs

How can I tell someone to store documents properly?

To ensure documents are stored without damage, instruct them to "keep flat" to avoid creases and folds. Additionally, storing them in a cool, dry place will help preserve their condition.

What does it mean to "keep flat" in a scientific context?

In scientific experiments, "keep flat" might refer to maintaining a specimen's or material's original planar form. This is vital to preserve its integrity for accurate analysis, especially in fields like biology or materials science.

Which is more appropriate, "keep flat" or "remain flat"?

Both phrases are suitable, but "keep flat" is more of an instruction, whereas "remain flat" describes a state of being. Use "keep flat" when telling someone what to do, and "remain flat" when describing how something should be.

When is it important to tell someone to "keep flat"?

It's important to use the phrase "keep flat" when handling items like artwork, documents, or sensitive materials that could be damaged if bent or folded. Proper handling ensures they "remain flat" and undamaged.