keep a low profile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'keep a low profile' is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It can be generally used in any context to mean to stay out of the public spotlight, or to avoid drawing attention to oneself. For example, you might write: "She had been through a lot in the past few years, so she decided to keep a low profile and take some time to focus on herself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It tried to keep a low profile.

The New York Times

I try to keep a low profile.

The New York Times

Hezbollah forces keep a low profile.

The New York Times

Women, meanwhile, keep a low profile.

The Economist

Most of them keep a low profile.

The New York Times - Magazine

I TRY to keep a low profile.

The New York Times

"They're saying: 'Keep a low profile.

The New York Times

"I like to keep a low profile".

The New York Times

The advice was blunt: Keep a low profile.

The New Yorker

"I like to keep a low profile," he said.

The New York Times

You might want to keep a low profile.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to "keep a low profile", consider the specific reason. Is it to avoid legal trouble, public scrutiny, or simply to maintain privacy? Tailor your advice accordingly for maximum impact.

Common error

Don't use "keep a low profile" when the situation calls for assertiveness or visibility. Sometimes, intentionally drawing attention is necessary to advocate for a cause or defend oneself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep a low profile" primarily functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It is generally used to advise or describe an action taken to avoid attention or remain inconspicuous. Ludwig AI provides many examples of this usage in news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep a low profile" is a commonly used phrase that means to avoid attracting attention or publicity. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, though it also appears in formal business settings and science. When advising someone to "keep a low profile", remember to consider the specific context and reason behind the need for discretion, as it might not always be the best course of action. Alternatives such as "stay under the radar" or "lie low" offer similar meanings, but with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay under the radar

Suggests avoiding detection or notice, often in situations where one might be sought out.

lie low

Implies concealing oneself, often because of potential danger or scrutiny.

avoid the limelight

Focuses on staying out of public attention and away from fame or celebrity.

maintain a discreet presence

Highlights maintaining a subtle and inconspicuous manner.

remain inconspicuous

Emphasizes blending in and not standing out.

keep out of sight

Indicates actively avoiding being seen.

not make waves

Suggests avoiding causing trouble or disruption.

behave circumspectly

Focuses on acting cautiously and carefully to avoid mistakes or offenses.

exercise discretion

Emphasizes the use of careful judgment to avoid causing embarrassment or offense.

observe caution

Highlights the need to be careful and wary.

FAQs

How can I use "keep a low profile" in a sentence?

You can use "keep a low profile" to advise someone to avoid attracting attention. For example, "After the scandal, the CEO decided to "keep a low profile" for a while".

What does it mean to "keep a low profile"?

To "keep a low profile" means to avoid attracting attention or publicity, often intentionally.

What are some alternatives to "keep a low profile"?

Some alternatives include "stay under the radar", "lie low", or "avoid the limelight", each with slightly different nuances.

When is it appropriate to advise someone to "keep a low profile"?

It's appropriate to advise someone to "keep a low profile" when they want to avoid scrutiny, manage a sensitive situation, or protect their privacy.