keep hard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep hard" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to suggest maintaining a strong or determined attitude, but it lacks clarity and proper usage. Example: "To succeed in this competitive environment, you need to keep hard and stay focused on your goals."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Also, keep hard candy or glucose tablets with you while exercising in case your blood sugar takes a nosedive.

Harvard University

However, it requires employers to hire workers via state employment agencies that charge (and keep) hard currency, vastly inflating the cost of labour.

The Economist

The tough Lancaster House and Florence speeches, and Chequers last month, were dollops of fudge to keep hard Brexiteers on board.

The Guardian - Opinion

That feels real enough, because it was real enough; the woman who imagined such light fancies as enchanted rings and sand fairies had to keep hard at her writing for her living.

The Guardian - Books

From pandemics and superbugs to climate change and dwindling fossil fuels, it's no exaggeration to state that only clever solutions from the world's best and brightest thinkers will keep hard times at bay.

The Guardian

If you want to keep hard copies of your digital photos, companies like Kodak and Hewlett-Packard have special paper and ink to print pictures that the companies say will last at least 100 years.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

State lawmakers have vaguely discussed a trust to help keep hard-pressed Geechees on their land.

The New York Times

You keep hard-cheese rinds to drop into a stew or sauce, but have you ever made a cheese-rind stock?

The Washington Post

From Maryland to Maine, similar frostbite programs keep hard-core racers happy and active during the inactive months in nippy locales.

The New York Times - Sports

As much as schools want to extend aid to keep hard-hit families in the fold, they say the policy might have to be revisited if markets continue to falter and take jobs with them.

The New York Times

And the idea that the moderate Arabs can keep hard-liners like Syria, Libya and Iraq on board for tough negotiations over Islam's holy sites in Jerusalem boggles some minds.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to express persistence or diligence, replace the unclear phrase "keep hard" with more specific and grammatically sound alternatives such as "remain diligent", "persist relentlessly", or "stay focused". These alternatives convey your intended meaning with greater clarity and accuracy.

Common error

Avoid using "keep hard" in formal writing. It lacks a clear and universally understood meaning. Over-reliance on vague phrases can confuse your readers and weaken your message. Opt for more precise language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep hard" is used to express the idea of maintaining effort or a particular state. However, its grammatical incorrectness and ambiguous nature make it less effective. Ludwig AI suggests the usage is non standard.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

24%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep hard" is identified by Ludwig AI as grammatically incorrect and lacking a clear, standard meaning in English. While present in various contexts, particularly "News & Media" and "Wiki" sources, its ambiguous nature diminishes its effectiveness. To ensure clarity and precision in your writing, it's advisable to replace "keep hard" with more specific and grammatically sound alternatives like "remain diligent", "persist relentlessly", or "stay focused", depending on the intended meaning. These alternatives enhance comprehension and reinforce the intended message more effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain a firm stance

Focuses on upholding a position or principle, changing the verb and adding specificity.

remain steadfast

Emphasizes unwavering commitment and introduces a more formal tone.

persist diligently

Highlights ongoing effort with a slightly more elaborate adverb.

persevere relentlessly

Stresses continuous and determined effort, using a stronger adverb.

continue striving

Emphasizes the act of trying and aiming for a goal, making it more active.

uphold vigorously

Concentrates on defending or maintaining something with energy.

preserve rigorously

Stresses maintaining something precisely and carefully.

hold firm

Conveys maintaining a position or resisting pressure, using a more concise expression.

stand strong

Emphasizes resilience and resistance to opposition, using a different verb and adjective.

press on tenaciously

Highlights continuing forward with determination, adding a more specific adverb.

FAQs

What does "keep hard" mean?

The phrase "keep hard" is not standard English and lacks a clear, commonly understood meaning. It might be interpreted as maintaining effort, but it's best to use clearer alternatives.

How can I rephrase "keep hard" to make it clearer?

Consider alternatives like "remain diligent", "persist relentlessly", or "stay focused" depending on the context you intend.

Is "keep hard" grammatically correct?

No, "keep hard" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's advisable to use more precise and grammatically sound alternatives.

Are there situations where "keep hard" might be appropriate?

While not generally recommended, "keep hard" might appear in informal contexts or specific jargon, but it's always safer to use clearer and more standard English phrasing for broader comprehension. Better alternatives are always preferred.