keep in step

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep in step" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to maintain the same pace or rhythm as others. You can use it when describing a situation where someone needs to maintain a certain pace or coordination with others. For example: - "During the parade, the marching band had to keep in step with each other to stay in formation." - "It's important for the dancers to keep in step with the music to make the performance look cohesive." - "When hiking in a group, it's important to keep in step with each other to avoid getting lost."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Gen. David H. Petraeus unfortunately has to keep in step with the system.

The New York Times

Yet as the heroine marches on through this memoir, it is not always easy to keep in step.

The New York Times - Books

The approximation to the interpolated operator is embedded into the extrapolation process to keep in step with the hierarchic order structure of the scheme.

Journal of Computational Physics

I could never keep in step, so they used to put me on the end of the line and I'd bring up the rear, marching by myself.

The New Yorker

Every new parish in Moscow, he has said, should keep in step with the times, accessible to young people and with a home page.

The New York Times

"Such personal ties can be used to help keep in step with each other in these types of situations," he said.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Multifunctionalization strategy in the photoinitiator design keeps in step with the requirement of the green chemistry in photopolymerization techniques.

Progress in Organic Coatings

Today a solar calendar is kept in step with the seasons by a fixed rule of intercalation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Despite the onslaught of easy-to-use, moderately priced 3D printers, simple design tools have not kept in step.

The Economist

In Britain, a supposedly left government kept in step with a decidedly right-wing government in the United States, but is that really so surprising?

The Guardian - Opinion

Therefore, if a lunar-year calendar is to be kept in step with the seasonal year, a periodic intercalation (addition) of days is necessary.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep in step" to describe the need for different entities or individuals to synchronize their actions or progress to achieve a common goal. For example, "Companies must "keep in step" with technological advancements to remain competitive."

Common error

Avoid using "keep in step" when simply meaning to 'follow' without the implication of maintaining a specific pace or rhythm. For example, instead of saying 'He kept in step with the instructions', consider 'He followed the instructions' if synchronization isn't relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep in step" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase, typically used to describe the act of maintaining pace, alignment, or synchronization with something or someone else. Ludwig confirms this with numerous examples demonstrating its flexible usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep in step" is an idiomatic expression signifying the act of maintaining pace, alignment, or synchronization with something or someone. Ludwig AI validates its frequent and versatile usage across varied contexts, as the examples from news articles, scientific publications, and encyclopedias demonstrate. While generally neutral in register, its primary function is to emphasize the importance of coordination and adaptation. To ensure clarity, writers should avoid using it when a simple 'follow' is intended without the nuance of maintaining a specific rhythm or pace. Ultimately, understanding the multifaceted nature of "keep in step" allows for its effective application in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep pace with

Highlights matching the speed or progress of something else.

move in unison

Focuses on coordinated movement, often physical or metaphorical.

stay in sync

Emphasizes synchronization but might imply a more technical or rhythmic alignment.

remain aligned

Focuses on maintaining a consistent direction or goal, slightly less about pace.

follow suit

Highlights imitation or conformity to actions already taken by others.

stay abreast of

Emphasizes remaining informed about developments, rather than physical synchronization.

toe the line

Implies stricter adherence to rules or expectations, often under pressure.

maintain harmony

Highlights preserving a state of agreement or balance, not necessarily direct following.

conform to standards

Stresses compliance with established norms or benchmarks.

be in accordance with

Implies agreement or harmony with a set of principles or rules.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep in step" to indicate the need to maintain pace or alignment with something else. For example: "The company needs to "keep pace with" market trends to stay competitive."

What does "keep in step" mean?

"Keep in step" means to maintain the same pace, rhythm, or alignment as someone or something else. It suggests coordination and synchronicity.

Which is correct, "keep in step" or "stay in step"?

Both "keep in step" and "stay in step" are correct and convey the same meaning, although "keep in step" is slightly more common. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What are some alternatives to "keep in step"?

Alternatives to "keep in step" include "stay in sync", "remain aligned", or "keep pace with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.