keep at the cutting edge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep at the cutting edge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the importance of staying updated with the latest developments or advancements in a particular field or industry. Example: "To remain competitive in the tech industry, companies must keep at the cutting edge of innovation and technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The company I help run tries to keep at the cutting edge of sustainability and corporate responsibility.

The Guardian - Opinion

GBN also sends members two books every month, along with convenient summaries, so that they can keep at the cutting edge of intellectual fashion.

The Economist

This group of luxury hotels has a team of 27 designers led by Ingvar Herland who work at a hub in Hong Kong, aiming to constantly remake the hotels so they keep at the cutting edge of technology.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

He kept at the cutting edge until the 1980s, and the arrival of computer-based digital synthesisers.

The Economist

Many technology-intensive organisations have long had chief technology officers, who keep products at the cutting edge, while leaving chief information officers in charge of the internal plumbing.

The Economist

In research, clusters of leading universities have formed organically to share the highest spec kit that will keep them at the cutting edge globally, but which no one university could afford or fully use alone.

The Guardian

Those short-term appointments, often in the form of a sabbatical from an academic position, pump fresh blood into the 58-year-old agency and keep it at the cutting edge, senior officials say.

Science Magazine

By designating select institutes "centres of excellence" and awarding scholarships to students, government agencies and private contractors work with academia to try to keep America at the cutting edge of the business.

BBC

Over 33 years now, PMC everyday heroes have raised $375 million -- including a record $37 million last year -- for DFCI, helping to keep it at the cutting edge in the war on cancer.

Huffington Post

That way we can invest in the research and technology that's always kept us at the cutting edge.

The New York Times

During the late 1990s, for example, Cisco Systems kept itself at the cutting edge of its fast-moving high-tech business (making internet routers) by buying a long string of creative start-ups financed originally by venture capital.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "keep at the cutting edge", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific field or area of innovation. For example, "keep at the cutting edge of artificial intelligence" provides clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "keep at the cutting edge" without defining the domain or area. Vague statements like "We strive to keep at the cutting edge" lack impact. Instead, specify the field, such as "We strive to keep at the cutting edge of renewable energy technology".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep at the cutting edge" functions as a descriptive phrase, often used with a verb to indicate an ongoing effort to stay updated and competitive in a specific field. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep at the cutting edge" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, as verified by Ludwig. It emphasizes the importance of staying updated and competitive in a particular field, particularly in areas like technology, science, and business. While the phrase is common, it's important to provide context specifying the area of innovation. Alternatives like "stay ahead of the curve" or "remain at the forefront" can also be used to convey similar meanings. Overall, using "keep at the cutting edge" effectively communicates the need for continuous improvement and a forward-thinking approach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay on the leading edge

This is a more direct synonym, emphasizing the advanced nature of one's position.

be at the leading edge

Similar to "stay on the leading edge", this emphasizes being in a prominent and advanced position.

stay ahead of the curve

This alternative focuses on proactive innovation and anticipation of future trends, rather than just maintaining a current level of advancement.

remain at the forefront

This suggests maintaining a leading position and being visibly prominent in a field.

maintain a competitive advantage

This focuses specifically on the benefit of being at the forefront: staying competitive.

keep abreast of the latest developments

This emphasizes the continuous effort to stay informed and updated.

embrace innovation

This focuses on the active adoption of new ideas and technologies.

push the boundaries

This highlights exceeding existing limits and venturing into unexplored areas.

keep up with the times

A more general phrase for staying current and relevant.

be a trendsetter

This focuses on setting new standards and influencing others, rather than just following advancements.

FAQs

How can I use "keep at the cutting edge" in a sentence?

You can use "keep at the cutting edge" to describe the need to stay updated with the latest developments. For example: "To remain competitive, companies must "keep at the cutting edge" of technology".

What does it mean to "keep at the cutting edge"?

To "keep at the cutting edge" means to stay informed and involved with the newest ideas, technologies, or methods in a particular field, striving to maintain a leading position.

What's a good alternative to "keep at the cutting edge"?

A good alternative to "keep at the cutting edge" is to "stay ahead of the curve", which implies proactively anticipating future trends and innovations.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "keep at the cutting edge"?

The phrase "keep at the cutting edge" is appropriate in contexts that discuss innovation, technology, research, and development, such as business, science, and technology.