it keeps up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it keeps up" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something maintains a certain pace, standard, or level of performance over time. Example: "Despite the challenges, the team has shown that it keeps up with the latest industry trends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Lithia will earn $17 million in 1998 from its 28 dealerships, if it keeps up its record of meeting or beating Wall Street estimates for eight consecutive quarters.

Forbes

Even as it keeps up its tough tone, however, the United States has begun weighing a fresh effort at engagement with Mr. Kim's government, officials and analysts briefed on the deliberations say.

The New York Times

If it keeps up its pace -- weekly sales haven't dipped below 100,000 since August -- it will easily become the first album to sell more than 5 million in a year since 2004 (when Usher's "Confessions" moved nearly 8 million).

The New York Times

For the first time, Germany will have a private university worth the name and with a solid financial footing (if it keeps up its academic performance, that is: Mr Jacobs has promised to donate €15m annually over the next five years and another €125m in 2011 to boost the endowment, but only if things go well).

The Economist

Regis can tack on a few more points of profit growth if it keeps up its furious acquisition pace.

Forbes

Apple could become the most valuable company in the world if it keeps up its growth.

TechCrunch

"Its primary value is that it keeps up the pressure," said former Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle of South Dakota.

The Washington Post

Moreover, it keeps up to 20% of its facilities idle, which builds in added flexibility.

Harvard Business Review

As the auto industry approaches its one-hundredth birthday, it's crucial it keeps up with the disruption that has hit other industries.

TechCrunch

As the auto industry approaches its one-hundredth birthday, it's crucial it keeps up with the disruption that has hit other industries.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The solid has the rocksalt-like simple cubic structure, which it keeps up to the melting point, 1114 °C (2037 °F).

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it keeps up" to indicate the continuation of a trend, activity, or standard, especially when discussing progress or performance over time. For example, "If the company keeps up its current growth rate, it will double in size within five years."

Common error

Avoid using "it keeps up" when referring to an effortless continuation. This phrase often implies a degree of effort or challenge in maintaining the pace or standard. If there is no such challenge, consider using "it continues" or "it remains" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it keeps up" functions as a phrasal verb, where 'keep up' acts as a single semantic unit. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely usable. It describes the action of maintaining a certain pace, standard, or level.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it keeps up" is a grammatically sound and very common phrasal verb used to describe the maintenance of a certain pace, level, or standard. As Ludwig confirms, it appears frequently in news and media, academic writing, and formal business contexts. To ensure proper usage, remember that "it keeps up" often implies effort in maintaining the specified level and should not be used when referring to effortless continuation. Alternative phrases include "it maintains its level" and "it sustains the momentum". Also make sure to conjugate to "keeps" when using the pronoun it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it maintains its level

Focuses on maintaining a consistent level of performance or quality.

it sustains the momentum

Emphasizes maintaining the current rate of progress or activity.

it continues at the same rate

Highlights the continuation of activity or progress at an unchanged speed.

it preserves its standard

Indicates that a certain quality or benchmark is being maintained.

it holds its position

Suggests maintaining a status relative to others or an established benchmark.

it stays consistent

Focuses on maintaining uniformity in behavior or performance.

it doesn't fall behind

Highlights the effort to avoid lagging or being outperformed.

it meets expectations

Suggests that something continues to fulfill anticipated standards or requirements.

it matches the speed

Emphasizes keeping pace with something else that is progressing.

it adheres to schedule

Focuses on adherence to a predetermined timetable or plan.

FAQs

How can I use "it keeps up" in a sentence?

You can use "it keeps up" to describe something that is maintaining a certain level or pace. For example, "The team needs to ensure "it keeps up" with the competition" or "The city is trying to ensure "it keeps up" with the latest technology".

What does "it keeps up" mean?

"It keeps up" means that something is maintaining a certain pace, level, or standard. It often implies a degree of effort to stay current or competitive.

Which is correct, "it keeps up" or "it keep up"?

"It keeps up" is correct. The verb "keep" needs to be conjugated to "keeps" to agree with the singular pronoun "it" in the present tense.

What are some similar phrases to "it keeps up"?

Similar phrases to "it keeps up" include "it maintains its level", "it sustains the momentum", and "it continues at the same rate".