keep alive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep alive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to express the idea of maintaining something in a state of existence or activity, such as a conversation, a memory, or a system. Example: "We need to keep alive the spirit of innovation in our company to stay competitive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

But we keep alive.

The New Yorker

They keep alive uneconomic energy-intensive firms.

The Economist

It's a good issue to keep alive.

The New York Times

Cells are hard to keep alive".

The New York Times

"But this will be difficult to keep alive.

The New York Times - Sports

It is the four's task to keep alive the tradition.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

The keep-alive message tells the gateway that the node is active.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Furthermore, it is also in charge of managing the keep-alive messages sent by the devices.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

In industrial wireless mesh networks, each node exchanges its information with neighbors using "keep-alive" messages.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

In this study, "keep-alive" message is expanded to contain the routing information for pheromone diffusion.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

As this step stops, the properties of "keep-alive" message are reset to their default configuration.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternatives like "sustain" or "maintain" if you want a more formal tone, but "keep alive" often adds a sense of urgency or importance to the preservation.

Common error

Avoid using "keep alive" passively. It implies an active effort to prevent something from fading or disappearing. If the maintenance is automatic or requires no intervention, a word like "remain" or "persist" might be more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep alive" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, combining the action of keeping with the state of being alive. This indicates an active effort to maintain or sustain something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep alive" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrasal verb that conveys the importance of maintaining something in an active way. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is best suited for contexts where an effort is needed to sustain a tradition, memory, or physical entity. While it is more common in News & Media and Science, it is crucial to use the term accurately, avoiding passive constructions and considering alternatives like "sustain" or "maintain" when a more neutral or formal tone is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sustain

Implies providing what is needed for something to continue existing.

maintain

Suggests keeping something in its current state or condition.

preserve

Emphasizes protecting something from harm or change to ensure its survival.

perpetuate

Highlights the act of causing something to continue indefinitely.

nourish

Implies actively fostering and supporting something to thrive.

cultivate

Suggests carefully developing and nurturing something over time.

fuel

Emphasizes providing energy or impetus for something to continue.

stoke

Highlights the act of intensifying or revitalizing something that is waning.

fan the flames

An idiomatic expression meaning to intensify or encourage something, often negative.

carry on

Suggests continuing an activity or tradition.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep alive" to express maintaining something in a state of existence or activity. For example, "We must "keep alive" the tradition of storytelling".

What are some alternatives to "keep alive"?

Alternatives include "sustain", "maintain", or "preserve", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "keep alive" and "preserve"?

"Keep alive" often implies an active effort to maintain something, whereas "preserve" can suggest protecting something from harm or change without necessarily implying ongoing effort.

Which is more appropriate: "keep alive" or "maintain"?

Both "keep alive" and "maintain" are appropriate depending on the context. "Keep alive" often carries a sense of urgency or importance, while "maintain" is generally more neutral.