keep certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep certain" is not complete on its own and may not convey a clear meaning in written English without additional context.
It can be used when referring to maintaining specific conditions, items, or information. Example: "We need to keep certain documents confidential to protect our clients' privacy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"And you keep certain doors open".

The Guardian - Film

State-sponsored homophobia serves to keep certain power relations intact.

The Guardian

But we should keep certain facts in mind.

The New York Times

However, it chooses to keep certain properties — mostly graduate-student apartments — on the tax rolls.

Princeton University

Like the parent of any toddler, Jared wants to keep certain things out of reach.

Independent

"We will keep certain objects that represent the memory of this hotel," Ms. d'Amman said.

The New York Times

"I made the choice to keep certain identities private, changing names and some descriptive details.

The Guardian - Books

At the same time, she has started to keep certain parts of her life private.

The Guardian

Other laws were also enacted to keep certain laborers from coming to the country.

The Washington Post

Section 716 would at least keep certain credit default swaps outside of insured banks.

The Washington Post

And yet some people still assume I keep certain restaurants to myself.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep certain", ensure that the context clearly defines what is being kept and why. Specificity enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "keep certain" without specifying what is being kept. For example, instead of saying "We need to keep certain things confidential", specify "We need to keep certain documents confidential to protect our clients' privacy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep certain" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "keep" is the main verb and "certain" modifies an implied noun. It is used to indicate the action of retaining or maintaining something specific. Ludwig examples show it used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

28%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep certain" is a versatile verb phrase used to indicate the retention or maintenance of specific items, information, or conditions. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across a variety of contexts. While "keep certain" is appropriate in formal and informal writing, it's important to ensure that the context clearly defines what is being kept to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "maintain specific" or "retain particular" can be used depending on the desired nuance. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, indicating its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain specific

Focuses on the act of maintaining something in a particular state or condition, implying a continuous effort.

retain particular

Emphasizes holding onto something specific, often chosen from a larger group.

preserve specific

Highlights the act of protecting something from harm or change, keeping it in its original form.

hold onto specific

Suggests a deliberate act of keeping something, often implying value or importance.

safeguard specific

Emphasizes protecting something important from potential threats or risks.

secure particular

Focuses on making something safe and protected, often from external forces.

conserve certain

Highlights the careful management and preservation of resources or items.

uphold specific

Stresses the importance of maintaining standards, principles, or rules.

sustain particular

Focuses on providing support or maintaining something over a long period.

protect particular

Implies shielding something from harm or undesirable influences.

FAQs

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

Use "keep certain" to indicate that specific items, information, or conditions should be maintained or preserved. For example, "We must "keep certain" data confidential" or "The company decided to "keep certain" assets despite financial difficulties".

What phrases are similar to "keep certain"?

Alternatives to "keep certain" include "maintain specific", "retain particular", or "preserve specific" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "maintain certain" or "keep certain"?

Both "maintain certain" and "keep certain" are correct. "Maintain certain" emphasizes the ongoing effort to preserve something, while "keep certain" simply indicates that something should be retained. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "keep certain" in formal writing?

"Keep certain" is appropriate in formal writing when you need to specify that particular items or information should be preserved or maintained. However, in some contexts, more formal alternatives like "retain particular" or "preserve specific" might be preferable.