a reputation to keep

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "a reputation to keep" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about the need to maintain a good reputation, for example: He has a reputation to keep, so he always acts with integrity.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

We've got a reputation to keep.

Independent

I've got a reputation to keep up".

The Guardian

Denise told me she couldn't be seen walking into a halal butcher's, because "I have a reputation to keep".

The Guardian - Film

That was a fight that involved on one side Rupert Murdock and you can argue maybe Rupert Murdock is a little crazy and had a reputation to keep up, but still it looks like another example of this.

Yale University

I went to see the studio director and he said: "I'm sorry, but these are some of the lines you'd have to say, 'My sister wears a moustache/ My brother wears a dress/ Goodness gracious, that's why I'm a mess!'" He quoted all these other great lyrics from the Gee Officer Krupke section and then said: "You've got a reputation to keep, so we've booked you on another movie".

The Guardian

GM can savor the possibility that it could reach poll position, but there's still the final hurdle of the winter season, and of course an ambitious all-American rival that's got a reputation to keep.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

[Director Wayne] Wang and his screenwriter, Alvin Sargent, are so busy supplying Susan Sarandon with scraps of sub-philosophy — "When life gets rough, and you only have a dime in your pocket, go out and get your shoes shined" — that they forget the lady has a voluptuous reputation to keep up.

The New Yorker

Maerose in a wonderful character, far darker and more complex than is indicated by her self-deprecating wisecracks ("I'm a family scandal. I gotta reputation to keep up").

The New York Times

The subcommittee's ranking Republican, Susan M. Collins of Maine, said the investigation had found that Citigroup was willing to risk its reputation "to keep Enron, an important client, happy".

The New York Times

Pretty safe to buy liquor in midtown or far downtown saloons, as they have reputations to keep up.

The New Yorker

There are few good biographers who have not at some point had an unwelcome telephone call from the lawyers.Faced with all that, it is difficult enough for an ordinary biographer to keep a reputation for independence.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a reputation to keep" when emphasizing the importance of upholding a positive image or standing in a community or profession. It's suitable in contexts where maintaining trust and respect are paramount.

Common error

Avoid using "a reputation to keep" when you actually mean preserving one's internal character. Reputation is what others think of you, while character is who you truly are. You "cultivate character" but have "a reputation to keep".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reputation to keep" functions as a noun phrase acting as the object of a verb, typically implying an obligation or need to maintain a certain positive image or standing. It highlights the importance of consistent behavior and actions to uphold an existing positive perception.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a reputation to keep" is used to highlight the necessity of maintaining a good public image. Ludwig AI validates the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability, noting that it frequently appears in news and media sources, as well as academic and wiki contexts. When using this phrase, be sure that you are referring to external perception, rather than internal character. Alternatives such as "a good name to maintain" and "an image to uphold" can be used depending on context. Remember, preserving your reputation requires consistent effort and ethical behavior.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a good name to maintain

Emphasizes preserving a positive public image.

an image to uphold

Highlights maintaining a specific public perception.

standards to uphold

Focuses on adhering to established criteria or expectations.

commitments to honor

Stresses the importance of fulfilling obligations and promises.

promises to keep

Underscores the need to fulfill stated commitments.

a standard to maintain

Highlights the effort required to keep a certain expectation.

a standing to protect

Focuses on defending one's position or status.

a front to preserve

Refers to protecting an outward appearance or facade.

a persona to safeguard

Emphasizes protecting a constructed public identity.

a face to save

Focuses on avoiding embarrassment or loss of credibility.

FAQs

How can I use "a reputation to keep" in a sentence?

You can use "a reputation to keep" to emphasize the importance of maintaining a positive image. For example: "As a doctor, I have "a reputation to keep", so I always act professionally."

What's a similar phrase to "a reputation to keep"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a good name to maintain", "an image to uphold", or "standards to uphold". These emphasize the preservation of a positive public image.

Is it better to have "a reputation to keep" or "a character to build"?

While both are important, they refer to different aspects. "A reputation to keep" focuses on maintaining external perception, while building character concerns internal moral qualities. You should strive for both: cultivating integrity and maintaining "a reputation to keep".

When should I use "a reputation to keep" instead of "an image to project"?

Use "a reputation to keep" when referring to an existing standing or perception that needs preserving through consistent behavior. Use "an image to project" when intentionally crafting or showing a certain appearance or attribute.