keep at the top

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep at the top" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to maintaining something in a prominent or prioritized position, such as in a list or a display. Example: "To ensure everyone sees the important updates, we need to keep at the top of the document."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But after so many years of toil to keep at the top of his sport and having become the most successful British Olympian of all time with six gold medals, how can he realistically lift himself any further?

Independent

There are thousands of commonly used drugs, more than any doctor can keep at the top of his head.

Forbes

This may sound easy, but it is often difficult to keep at the top of your mind.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

And let's hope the LSE keeps at the top of this game.

The Guardian - Business

"We finally went up and were kept at the top for 10 or 15 minutes chatting, joking that we were the guinea pigs," the 29-year-old said.

Independent

"We finally went up and were kept at the top for 10 or 15 minutes chatting, joking that we were the guinea pigs," she said.

Independent

When authority is kept at the top, it is more likely that factions will emerge and compete for favor rather than work together for the good of the whole.

Huffington Post

"Promoting unity through child rights is one long-term solution to problems of ethnic conflict and political instability," she says, "But to be effective those rights must kept at the top of the agenda today and every day.

Unicef

Cultures kept at the bench top for 2 months were still vital and exhibited no growth defects.

BMC Biotechnology

"As long as I can keep competing at the top level and keep winning tournaments that will always be the case.

BBC

What factors continue to keep Genentech at the top of the table in the views of respondents to the survey?

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep at the top" in writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being maintained in a leading position, whether it's a skill, a ranking, or a strategic advantage. For example, "To keep our product at the top of the market, we need to innovate constantly."

Common error

Avoid using "keep at the top" when the context implies initial achievement rather than sustained maintenance. For instance, instead of saying "We will keep at the top by launching this product", consider "We aim to reach the top with this product" if the goal is to initially achieve that position.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep at the top" functions as a verb phrase that emphasizes the act of maintaining a leading or superior position. It often appears in contexts where continuous effort or strategic action is needed to sustain success. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and usable in various forms of English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep at the top" signifies the continuous effort required to maintain a leading position. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. While alternatives such as "remain at the forefront" and "maintain leadership" offer similar meanings, "keep at the top" is direct and emphasizes sustained action. Ludwig AI's analysis highlights that while its frequency is uncommon, its application is versatile, spanning from news and media to formal business settings. Remember to use it when you want to stress consistent effort in maintaining a high rank or leading position.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain at the forefront

Focuses on maintaining a leading position or visibility; broader scope than just "top".

maintain leadership

Specifically emphasizes maintaining a leading role or position of authority.

stay ahead of the curve

Implies continuous innovation and progress to maintain a leading position.

preserve the advantage

Focuses on retaining a competitive edge or superior position.

defend the title

Relevant in competitive contexts, like sports or business, where a title needs to be protected.

consolidate the position

Suggests strengthening and securing an already leading position.

uphold the standard

Emphasis on maintaining a high level of quality or performance.

sustain the momentum

Focuses on keeping progress going to stay in a favorable position.

retain primacy

Emphasizes keeping a state of being first or most important.

dominate the market

Specifically refers to controlling the largest share of a particular market.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep at the top" to describe maintaining a leading position or high rank. For example, "Consistent training is essential to "keep at the top" of your game".

What are some alternatives to saying "keep at the top"?

Alternatives to "keep at the top" include phrases like "remain at the forefront", "maintain leadership", or "stay ahead of the curve" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "keep at the top" or "stay at the top"?

Both "keep at the top" and "stay at the top" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often depends on stylistic preference or the specific nuance you want to emphasize. "Keep at the top" suggests continuous effort, while "stay at the top" emphasizes maintaining a current position.

What's the difference between "keep at the top" and "reach the top"?

"Keep at the top" implies maintaining a position that has already been achieved, while "reach the top" refers to the initial act of attaining a leading position. For example, you might "reach the top" of your class with hard work and then strive to ""keep at the top"" through continued effort.