keep flat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep flat" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as an instruction or as an imperative, in order to indicate that something should stay at the same level. For example, you could say: "Keep flat while baking the cake so that it cooks evenly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The challenge for manufacturers is to keep flat panels hot.

Independent

Bobbing behind Spoilsport, we struggled to keep flat on the surface, as instructed.

The Guardian - Travel

For simplicity, we assume the top surface of the coating would keep flat and in a rectangular shape after deformation.

Columbia University

The three curves keep flat after more than 8 h of discharge, indicating a high discharge voltage stability.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Simply break down after the cereal is finish and keep flat in piles awaiting reuse.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Building materials like fibre cement siding and lightweight concrete floors will keep flats cool during summer nights and help retain solar heat in winter.

The Guardian

But keep flats at your desk, just in case.

Huffington Post

It should be kept flat on a surface.

Independent

But then the state ran into fiscal trouble; funding was kept flat in 2009 and cut in 2010.

The New York Times

New materials such as iron and steel could span farther than timber, and asphalt and plastic kept flat roofs dry.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At the same time, these wealthiest schools have kept flat the overall number of undergraduates and the share of undergraduates from low-income households.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions, use "keep flat" to clearly indicate the desired orientation or state of an object. For example, "Keep the dough flat while rolling it out."

Common error

Avoid using "keep flat" when referring to emotional states or abstract concepts; it is generally reserved for physical objects or surfaces.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep flat" primarily functions as an imperative, instructing someone to maintain a level or even surface. This is supported by Ludwig AI, indicating its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

20%

News & Media

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep flat" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, primarily functioning as an imperative to maintain a level surface. It's found across various sources, including news, academic texts, and wikis, indicating a neutral formality level. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves the purpose of giving clear, direct instructions. While its occurrence is rare, its straightforward nature makes it suitable for diverse communication contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain flatness

Emphasizes the continuous action of preserving a flat state.

hold level

Focuses on maintaining a horizontal or even position.

preserve a flat surface

Highlights the action of protecting a surface from becoming uneven.

ensure flatness

Stresses the guarantee of a flat state.

sustain a level plane

Implies actively upholding a flat and even surface.

retain evenness

Focuses on keeping something uniform and without irregularities.

prevent warping

Specifically addresses avoiding distortion or bending of a surface.

avoid buckling

Emphasizes preventing a surface from bending or collapsing inwards.

stay flush

Highlights maintaining an even surface with an adjacent area.

remain horizontal

Underscores the necessity of keeping something in a flat and level position.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep flat" to instruct someone to maintain a level surface. For example: "Keep flat when applying the bandage."

What are some alternatives to "keep flat"?

Some alternatives to "keep flat" include "maintain flatness", "hold level", or "preserve a flat surface".

When is it appropriate to use "keep flat"?

It's appropriate to use "keep flat" when you need to instruct someone to maintain an even or level surface. This is common in cooking, crafts, and medical instructions.

Is "keep flat" formal or informal?

"Keep flat" is generally neutral and can be used in both informal and formal contexts, depending on the overall tone and purpose of the communication.