for safe keeping

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for safe keeping" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is being stored or held securely to protect it from loss or damage. Example: "I left my important documents with my friend for safe keeping while I was on vacation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

The artefacts have gone to Lima for safe keeping.

The Economist

But they can be collared for safe keeping.

The New York Times - Sports

It sits nicely in one's hand and it includes a pen-style clip, for safe keeping.

The New York Times

It's best to get your glass early and put it away for safe keeping.

The New York Times

Within two years The Watzmann was put away in storage for safe keeping.

The Guardian - Arts

The hard drive had been removed from her computer for safe keeping then lost.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Earlier, one mother gave Ms. Black a hunk of Parmesan cheese for safe-keeping.

The New York Times

I framed one and stuck the other in the back of the frame for safe-keeping.

The New Yorker

He smiled and bellowed, "Hello!" Then he stuck the microphone in his pants, for safe-keeping!

The New York Times - Arts

"Try and remember back to New Year's Day and where you may have placed that lucky ticket for safe-keeping.

Independent

Drag files into the folder, and the service sends them automatically into the cloud for safe-keeping.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the audience and context to determine if using the one-word form, "safekeeping", is more appropriate for conciseness.

Common error

Be aware that "safekeeping" is a single word and can be used interchangeably with "for safe keeping". However, ensure consistency within your document.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for safe keeping" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb, indicating the purpose or reason for an action. Ludwig confirms its proper usage. For example, "The artefacts have gone to Lima for safe keeping."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for safe keeping" is a commonly used and grammatically correct prepositional phrase that indicates the purpose of protecting something by storing it securely. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase appears frequently in news and media, as well as in general writing. The single-word alternative, "safekeeping", carries the same meaning and can often be used interchangeably. While the phrase is suitable for various contexts, considering the audience and desired level of formality is important. Remember to use "safekeeping" as one word, and consider alternatives such as "for protection" or "to keep secure" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for safekeeping

This is a single-word alternative that carries the exact same meaning.

to keep secure

This alternative uses 'secure' instead of 'safe', emphasizing the protection aspect.

for protection

Focuses on the act of protecting something, omitting explicit mention of storage.

for preservation

Highlights the act of maintaining something in its original condition.

in a secure location

Specifies a safe place, implying the reason is to protect something.

in a safe place

Similar to the previous phrase, but more generic.

to ensure its safety

Emphasizes the act of ensuring that an item remains unharmed.

for its protection

Similar to 'for protection', but includes the possessive pronoun.

to safeguard

A verb form that means to protect something from harm or damage.

in protective custody

Implies a more formal or official safeguarding, often used for people.

FAQs

How can I use "for safe keeping" in a sentence?

You can use "for safe keeping" to indicate that something is being stored securely to protect it from loss or damage. For example: "I put the documents in the safe "for safe keeping"."

What's the difference between "for safe keeping" and "safekeeping"?

"Safekeeping" is the one-word version of "for safe keeping". They have the same meaning and can be used interchangeably. The choice between them depends on the desired style and conciseness.

What are some alternatives to "for safe keeping"?

Some alternatives include "for protection", "for preservation", or "to keep secure". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "for safe keeping" formal or informal?

The phrase "for safe keeping" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might consider using "safekeeping" or a more elaborate alternative.