by keeping

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by keeping" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to indicate the means or method by which something is done or achieved. Example: By keeping a strict schedule, I was able to finish my project on time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Keep it simple and straightforward by keeping the conversation short.

WikiHow

Start by keeping an eye on outgoings.

The Guardian - Money

"This begins by keeping our word.

The New York Times

I deal with it by keeping busy.

The Guardian - Sport

That means we start by keeping u constant, no, by keeping v constant as u changes.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"But it is possible to bring change gradually and slowly, by keeping traditions, by keeping religion".

The New York Times

Discourage roaches by keeping your home neat and clean.

Stanford University

You repay the debt by keeping the gift.

Yale University

Forests moderate local climate by keeping their local environments cool.

Yale University

Avoid sending these signals by keeping your palms facing upwards.

Yale University

They can embrace new financial ideas by keeping markets open.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by keeping" to clearly indicate the method or action that leads to a specific result. It's particularly effective when you want to emphasize that a particular action is crucial for maintaining a certain state or achieving a goal.

Common error

Avoid using "by keeping" in overly passive constructions. Instead of saying, "Mistakes were avoided by keeping detailed records", opt for the more direct, "Avoid mistakes by keeping detailed records".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by keeping" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a gerund, which acts as an adverbial modifier. It explains the means or method by which something is accomplished or a certain state is maintained. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

24%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

18%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by keeping" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate the means or method by which a certain outcome is achieved or a state is maintained. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, from news and academia to general writing. When using "by keeping", ensure it clearly specifies the action leading to the desired result and consider alternative phrases like "through maintaining" or "via preserving" for nuanced expression. Avoid overuse in passive constructions to maintain a direct and engaging writing style. It is a very common pattern in modern English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through maintaining

Emphasizes the process or method of maintaining something to achieve an outcome.

via preserving

Highlights the act of preserving as the means to a specific end.

by preserving

Similar to 'via preserving', but with a slightly broader application.

by upholding

Focuses on supporting or defending something to achieve a goal.

by retaining

Stresses the act of keeping or holding onto something to accomplish something else.

through the act of keeping

More verbose, emphasizing the action itself.

in continuing to keep

Highlights the continuity of the action.

in staying with

More informal, indicating persistence with a method or action.

by way of keeping

More formal, indicating a method or means.

by virtue of keeping

Suggests that something is achieved because of the act of keeping.

FAQs

How can I use "by keeping" in a sentence?

"By keeping" is used to explain how something is achieved or maintained. For example: "You can improve your health by keeping a balanced diet."

What are some alternatives to "by keeping"?

You can use alternatives like "through maintaining", "via preserving", or "by preserving" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "by keeping"?

Yes, starting a sentence with "by keeping" is grammatically correct. It introduces a gerund phrase that acts as an adverbial modifier, explaining the means by which something is accomplished. For instance, "By keeping the door closed, we prevented the draft from entering the room."

What's the difference between "by keeping" and "by maintaining"?

While both phrases indicate a method, "by keeping" often implies preserving something in its current state, while "by maintaining" suggests actively working to sustain or uphold something.