keep him close

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep him close" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used when someone is trying to ensure that another person stays close and involved in a certain situation. For example, "I'm worried about my son's future so I'm going to make sure I keep him close and involved in all of his activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

They wanted to keep him close.

The New York Times

That way they would be able to keep him close.

The Guardian

We will always keep him close to our hearts.

The New York Times

I'm trying to keep him close to me as much as I can".

The New York Times - Sports

Wheeled him up and down the sideline to keep him close to the action.

The New Yorker

Memories of good times shared will always keep him close in our hearts.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Other endeavors keep him closer to home.

The New York Times

But by then, Forsythe, a family man, wanted parts that would keep him closer to home.

Los Angeles Times

He has a penchant for running wide but the large field could keep him closer to the rail.

Los Angeles Times

No, I kept him close.

The New York Times

But Mr Cameron has kept him close.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep him close" when you want to emphasize maintaining a strong connection, whether physical, emotional, or strategic. It suggests a deliberate effort to ensure someone remains accessible and involved.

Common error

Avoid using "keep him close" solely to describe physical proximity if the intended meaning is about emotional connection or strategic alliance. Choose a more specific phrase if the context warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep him close" primarily functions as a verb phrase expressing the act of maintaining proximity or a strong connection with someone. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a phrase that is considered correct and usable in written English. Examples in Ludwig show it used in contexts ranging from physical proximity to emotional bonds.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep him close" is a versatile and commonly used expression that denotes maintaining a connection, be it physical, emotional, or strategic. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. As demonstrated by numerous examples in Ludwig, this phrase frequently appears in news and media, reflecting its widespread application. While primarily neutral in register, its specific meaning depends heavily on the context, ranging from safeguarding someone's presence to fostering a deeper relationship. Understanding these nuances allows for effective communication and precise expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold him near

Suggests a physical or emotional holding, emphasizing protection or affection.

preserve a close bond with him

Emphasizes the emotional or relational aspect of closeness.

remain by his side

Emphasizes loyalty and unwavering support.

maintain proximity to him

Focuses on physical nearness, implying a strategic or deliberate closeness.

cherish his company

Highlights the value and enjoyment of spending time with him.

have him within reach

Focuses on the ease of access and ability to interact with him.

ensure his continued involvement

Highlights the importance of keeping him actively participating in something.

foster a connection with him

Implies nurturing and developing a deeper relationship.

safeguard his presence

Implies protecting his position or role in a particular setting.

look after him

Centers on taking care of his well-being and safety.

FAQs

How can I use "keep him close" in a sentence?

You can use "keep him close" to describe maintaining a relationship, like "She decided to keep him close after his accident." It can also imply strategic positioning: "The manager wanted to keep him close to the project to ensure its success."

What does "keep him close" mean?

The phrase "keep him close" generally means to maintain a strong relationship with someone, ensuring they remain near, involved, or protected. The context often dictates whether it refers to physical proximity, emotional connection, or strategic positioning.

What are some alternative phrases for "keep him close"?

Alternatives include "hold him near", "maintain proximity to him", or "preserve a close bond with him", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "keep him close" formal or informal?

The phrase "keep him close" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the specific situation and audience should guide your choice of language.