keep in position

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep in position" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to mean to remain in the same place, situation, or condition without changing. For example, "The troops were instructed to keep in position until further notice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But they are the type of headphones which you must keep "in position," or the sound will be skewed or the stereo off, unlike over-ear headphones.

TechCrunch

While you are applying the paint, you can hold small stencils in place with your hand or with masking tape, but large stencils are difficult to keep in position.

The New York Times

Keep in position, just roll.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

During the night the boat will be kept in position, ensuring that it does not drift in Hooper's favour while he is asleep.

The Guardian

Adam would have been stretched out horizontally or upside down during the sacrifice and kept in position while the blood was drained from the body.

The Guardian

After the maximum steady force was developed, the control was either switched to force clamp for imposing different loads or kept in position clamp to deliver rapid releases or stretches (Fig. 2c).

Nature

Then, the needle was kept in position until 50 100 sweeps of the fiber pair were recorded.

The Egyptian Journal of Neurology, Psychiatry and Neurosurgery

The probe was kept in position using the double-sided tape provided with the SLD monitor.

Annals of Intensive Care

The rubber membrane having 0.3 mm thickness was kept in position by applying suction between the mold and the membrane.

International Journal of Geo-Engineering

Post-operatively, the external fixator was kept in position for 6 weeks as a neutralization device (Fig. 5).

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

The south wall of the chancel was leaning and only kept in position by its roof.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep in position" when describing the need to maintain a specific arrangement, alignment, or physical location. It is suitable in both technical and general contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "keep in position" when referring to abstract concepts such as opinions or ideas. Instead, use phrases like "maintain" or "uphold."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep in position" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used with an auxiliary verb to indicate the action of maintaining something or someone in a particular location or alignment. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep in position" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, although not extremely common. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the examples illustrate its usage across various contexts, including news, how-to guides, and scientific publications. While versatile, it's best suited for situations requiring the maintenance of physical location or alignment. For more formal settings, alternatives like "maintain" or "retain" might be more appropriate. Be mindful of using this phrase only when referring to concrete placements, avoiding abstract concepts. By understanding its nuances and considering its alternatives, you can effectively incorporate "keep in position" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold in place

Similar to the original, but emphasizes the act of actively securing something.

retain position

Focuses on keeping a certain rank or status.

maintain its place

Emphasizes preserving the physical location or order.

hold steady

Focuses on resisting movement and remaining stable.

stay put

Stresses remaining in the current location without relocating.

remain stationary

Highlights the absence of movement or change in location.

keep aligned

Emphasizes maintaining a straight line or proper arrangement.

preserve alignment

Highlights the importance of maintaining a specific orientation.

maintain stability

Focuses on ensuring that something is balanced.

keep it stable

Similar to "maintain stability", but slightly less formal.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep in position" to describe maintaining a physical object or person in a specific location. For example, "The tape will help keep the bandage in position."

What's a more formal way to say "keep in position"?

A more formal alternative to "keep in position" is "maintain in position", which emphasizes a deliberate effort to preserve the current state.

What can I say instead of "keep in position" in a technical context?

In technical contexts, consider using "hold in place" or "retain position" to convey a precise and controlled maintenance of location or orientation.

Is "keep in position" always the best choice, or are there better alternatives?

While "keep in position" is generally correct, consider alternatives like "stay put" for informal contexts or "remain stationary" for more emphasis on the absence of movement.