keep him safe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep him safe" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase in any situation where you are expressing a desire or wish for somebody to stay safe. For example: "I'm worried about my brother, so please keep him safe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"My maternal instincts would keep him safe.

The New York Times

His parents even devised a system to keep him safe.

The New York Times - Arts

He needs protecting: churches are there to keep him safe.

The Guardian

There was a guardian angel medallion, to keep him safe.

The New York Times

"I hope and pray for Allah to keep him safe".

The New York Times

He can't trust the law to keep him safe.

The Guardian - Film

"Then I would have sewn it up tight to keep him safe".

The New Yorker

If they could keep him safe, maybe he'd mellow out as he got older.

The New Yorker

Anthony Comello, Accused in Gambino Killing: How Do You Keep Him Safe in Jail?

The New York Times

"God, please keep him safe, angels' wings, angels' wings," she repeats to herself.

The New York Times - Sports

New York|Anthony Comello, Accused in Gambino Killing: How Do You Keep Him Safe in Jail?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "keep him safe", consider the specific context and potential dangers the person might face. This will help you choose more descriptive language to express the type of safety you wish to ensure.

Common error

While "keep him safe" is perfectly acceptable, it can sound too informal in professional or academic writing. Opt for stronger, more precise language like "ensure his security" or "safeguard his well-being" to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep him safe" primarily functions as a directive or an expression of desire. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically sound and usable expression. It expresses a hope or request for someone's well-being.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep him safe" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression for conveying a desire or request for someone's protection. As shown by Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, from personal prayers to news reports. While versatile, it's essential to consider the specific context to ensure the phrase aligns with the desired tone. For instance, in formal writing, stronger alternatives like "ensure his security" might be more appropriate. Overall, the phrase is a common and acceptable way to express concern for someone's safety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

protect him

Focuses directly on shielding from harm, offering a more active sense of defense.

ensure his safety

Emphasizes a guarantee of safety, shifting from a request to a more assertive action.

watch over him

Implies a more nurturing and constant form of protection, like a guardian.

safeguard him

Suggests a proactive approach to preserving someone's safety and security.

look after him

Conveys a sense of care and responsibility for someone's welfare.

defend him

Highlights the act of standing up for someone, specifically against threats.

shield him from danger

Specifically aims to cover or guard against potential harm or risks.

preserve his well-being

Takes a broader approach to maintain physical, mental and emotional health.

maintain his security

Focuses on keeping someone free from threats, indicating a state of safety.

supervise him

Implies monitoring someone's actions to prevent accidents or undesired events.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep him safe" in various contexts, such as expressing a wish or prayer (e.g., "I pray God will keep him safe"), entrusting someone's care (e.g., "They failed to keep him safe"), or discussing protective measures (e.g., "We need to keep him safe from harm").

What are some alternatives to saying "keep him safe"?

Alternatives include "protect him", "ensure his safety", "watch over him", or "safeguard him", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "keep him safe"?

Yes, "keep him safe" is grammatically correct. "Keep" is a transitive verb, "him" is the direct object, and "safe" is an adjective complement describing the state in which he should be kept.

What's the difference between "keep him safe" and "kept him safe"?

"Keep him safe" is typically used to express a current wish or instruction, while "kept him safe" refers to a past action of ensuring someone's safety.