keep a continuity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep a continuity" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when discussing the importance of maintaining a consistent flow or connection in a narrative or process. Example: "To ensure the story remains engaging, it's crucial to keep a continuity between the different chapters."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

When we did 'The BFG,' I looked at Melissa and she said, 'Steve, are you ready to get back to the cards?' I went, 'Really, Melissa?' 'Yes, I think we need to keep a continuity between the last time we worked and this time,' so I went right to the cards".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Beverly Jo keeps a continuity book, taking photos as the script requires the actor's look to change, "so that if maybe old scenes have to be re-shot, I'll know what to do".

Huffington Post

This helped to keep a traditional continuity while allowing diversity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Of course I went to school with I was little, but it was not possible through adolescence to keep an absolute continuity of things.

The New Yorker

The board hoped to keep a degree of continuity at the club and appointed Slade's No2, Graham Rodger, as manager.

The Guardian - Sport

"They [Payne and Henshaw] trained together last week and we've decided to keep a bit of continuity.

BBC

That's doubly so for studios that are producing a big portfolio of games that still want to connect players across multiple games in order to keep a sense of continuity across those titles.

TechCrunch

Oblique slices were then prepared from the L3 to L5 spinal segments in order to keep a ventral rootlet in continuity with the cord as described in Lamotte d'Incamps et al. (2012).

eLife

Thompson has recommended that the Legislature "consider the creation of a special unit in the Legislative Analysts Office or elsewhere with the resources and continuity to keep an eye on the project continuously".

Los Angeles Times

That makes him a smart man, because those who have tried to keep a championship team together say the faster a general manager and head coach map out a plan of attack to keep the continuity going, the better off they will be.

The New York Times - Sports

Maintain a continuity with the past.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep a continuity", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being kept continuous, such as a narrative, process, or design. This clarity avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "keep a continuity" can sound less polished in formal writing. Opt for stronger verbs like "maintain", "preserve", or "ensure" with "continuity" or related nouns like "consistency" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep a continuity" functions as a verb phrase where "keep" is the main verb and "a continuity" is the object. While not the most common phrasing, it generally expresses the action of maintaining an unbroken or consistent state. As noted by Ludwig AI, it might sound awkward and could benefit from more polished alternatives.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "keep a continuity" is grammatically understandable, Ludwig indicates that it is not a particularly common or polished expression. Its function is to express the act of maintaining a consistent flow or unbroken state, often appearing in news, media, and scientific contexts. For more formal or professional writing, consider using alternatives such as "maintain consistency" or "ensure continuity". By considering context and audience, you can choose the most effective phrasing to convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain a consistent flow

Focuses on the uninterrupted movement or progression of something, whereas the original phrase is slightly more static.

ensure uninterrupted progression

Highlights the lack of breaks or pauses in the advancement of something, providing a dynamic perspective.

preserve consistency

Emphasizes the act of safeguarding or protecting an existing state of uniformity, differing from simply maintaining it.

uphold the continuous nature

Stresses the act of supporting or defending the ongoing aspect of something, adding a layer of advocacy to the concept.

sustain an unbroken sequence

Draws attention to the seamless connection between elements in a series, differing from the overall consistency.

retain a seamless connection

Highlights the smooth and fluid link between parts, compared to a general continuation.

secure ongoing uniformity

Suggests that stability must be safeguarded continuously.

foster a fluid connection

This phrase emphasizes creating and nurturing a seamless link, rather than preserving an existing one.

promote continuous advancement

The semantic focus is on moving forward without stopping. This is more directive and active than the original phrase.

keep uninterrupted order

The primary focus here is on preventing any disruption to the structured arrangement of something, instead of emphasizing the continuity of something more broad.

FAQs

How can I use "keep a continuity" in a sentence?

You can use "keep a continuity" when you want to maintain a consistent flow or connection in a narrative or process. For example: "To ensure the story remains engaging, it's crucial to "keep a continuity" between the different chapters."

What are some alternatives to "keep a continuity"?

Some alternatives to "keep a continuity" include "maintain consistency" or "ensure continuity". These options may sound more natural and polished depending on the context.

Is it better to say "keep continuity" or "maintain continuity"?

While both are understandable, "maintain continuity" is generally preferred for its stronger verb choice. "Keep" is a more general verb, while "maintain" specifically implies effort to sustain something.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "keep a continuity"?

The phrase "keep a continuity" is appropriate in contexts where you want to emphasize the act of preserving a consistent connection or flow, but consider whether more common phrases like "maintain a consistent flow" might be more suitable.