Keep intact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Keep intact" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone to maintain something in its original state or condition without alteration or damage. Example: "Please ensure that all documents are kept intact during the transfer process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The spending cuts are more severe, and target programs that people want to keep intact.

The New Yorker

"In each case, we look at how much we can keep intact," Mr. Vetter added.

The New York Times

It appears that Robinson will keep intact the lines used in the 4-0 shutoft of Atlanta on Monday.

The New York Times - Sports

In Bosnia, one of his duties was to keep intact a bridge that crossed the Saba River.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Nkunda then declared a cease-fire, which the United Nations is desperately trying to keep intact.

The New York Times

As the president, Chandrika Kumaratunga, battles to keep intact her ruling People's Alliance, squabbles have turned to bloodshed.

The Economist

Most prefer, too, to keep intact the wall the constitution has carefully erected between church and state.

The Economist

The Plus One model would essentially keep intact the current bowl system and would result in about $40 million to $50 million more in television revenue for colleges.

The New York Times - Sports

"The idea is to keep intact the culture from which the music comes, and yet make it completely accessible to a Western audience".

The New York Times - Arts

But these drawbacks have not stopped the community's more preservation-minded residents from seeking to keep intact the area they call NoProPaSo (North of Prospect Park South).

The New York Times

Ralph Partridge married Dora Carrington in 1921, without much love on either side, mainly in order to keep intact their triangular relationship with Lytton Strachey.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Keep intact" when you want to emphasize the importance of preserving something in its original condition, especially when potential changes or alterations are a concern.

Common error

Avoid using "Keep intact" in very informal conversations. Simpler phrases like "leave it alone" or "don't change it" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Keep intact" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It typically requires a direct object, indicating what is being preserved. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, highlighting its versatility in conveying the act of maintaining something's original state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Lifestyle

2%

Sports

13%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Keep intact" is a versatile and grammatically correct verb phrase used to emphasize the importance of preserving something in its original condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely applicable across various contexts, from formal writing to news reports. While alternatives like "maintain as is" or "preserve untouched" exist, "Keep intact" stands out for its directness in conveying the need to prevent alteration or damage. Its frequent usage in news and scientific domains highlights its relevance in contexts where accuracy and preservation are paramount. When using "Keep intact", consider the context to ensure it aligns with the desired level of formality, making it a valuable tool for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Maintain as is

Focuses on preserving the current condition without changes.

Preserve untouched

Emphasizes avoiding any contact or alteration.

Retain unaltered

Highlights the absence of any modification.

Conserve whole

Stresses the maintenance of completeness.

Sustain unbroken

Implies preventing fragmentation or disruption.

Safeguard complete

Underscores the protection of the entire entity.

Uphold undamaged

Highlights the importance of preventing any harm.

Secure untouched

Emphasizes safety and lack of alteration.

Keep whole and safe

Highlights two important aspects: preserving entirety and safety.

Maintain without damage

Specifically focuses on avoiding any harm or deterioration during preservation.

FAQs

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

You can use "Keep intact" to emphasize the importance of maintaining something in its original state, such as "We must "keep intact" the historical artifacts" or "The goal is to "keep intact" the agreement between the parties".

What are some alternatives to "Keep intact"?

Alternatives include "maintain as is", "preserve untouched", or "retain unaltered" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is more appropriate: "Keep intact" or "Maintain intact"?

"Keep intact" and "Maintain intact" are similar, but "keep" often implies preventing something from being changed, while "maintain" suggests continuous effort to preserve something. Use the one that best fits the context.

What does it mean to "Keep the original structure intact"?

To "keep the original structure intact" means to preserve the initial design or framework of something without altering it. This is often used in architectural or organizational contexts.