keep in tact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep in tact" is not correct; the correct phrase is "keep intact." You can use it when referring to preserving something in its original state or condition.
Example: "We need to ensure that the historical documents are kept intact during the renovation process."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's so important to maintain a whole spectrum of emotions and to keep in tact the natural antagonism of life events, but instead of a bed of nails, we should really be catching one another on cotton candy clouds.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

As he waited for publisher's response, his finances had to be kept in tact.

Huffington Post

If anything, at least the Senate version offers some protection of immigrants' rights and a road map to citizenship moving forward -- two features that must be kept in tact if this bill is to have any chance of working as law.

Huffington Post

It uses organic TFT technology to keep clarity in-tact and to retain its 0.3mm thickness.

TechCrunch

We work to keep both in tact at all times.

Huffington Post

Keep plastic in tact as it will help to contain paint supplies.

WikiHow

The latin root of "tact" means "touch," which is helpful to keep in mind when you respond.

WikiHow

There's no reason to be unnerved by this fact, as continuing to keep in contact with your old friends will ensure you keep your bond with them in tact.

WikiHow

Keep in mind that others have discovered this process long before you...so tact and imagination are the order of the day.

WikiHow

She has also developed a reputation as a caring employer who keeps in constant con tact with staff through her "dear everyone" emails.

The Guardian

Remove the sticker as slowly as possible in order to keep the sticker in tact as you remove it (keeping it in tact will open the possibility of getting more sticker off the item rather than trying to rip pieces).

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to convey the idea of preserving something in its original state, use the phrase "keep intact" instead of "keep in tact". For example, say "Keep the original packaging intact".

Common error

The word "tact" refers to diplomacy and skill in dealing with people. The correct word to use when referring to something whole and undamaged is "intact". Remember "intact" when something needs to be whole.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep in tact" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "keep intact". The verb "keep" here functions as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. "In tact" is intended to describe the state of the object.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep in tact" is grammatically incorrect. The correct and widely accepted phrase is "keep intact", which means to maintain something in its original condition. Ludwig AI confirms that the accurate term to use is "keep intact". While some instances of "keep in tact" may be found, especially in informal contexts, it is advisable to use "keep intact" to maintain grammatical correctness and clarity in your writing. Remember that using the right word will always help you keep intact the quality and credibility of your text.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep intact

Replaces "tact" with "intact", which is the grammatically correct term meaning whole or undamaged.

maintain its integrity

Focuses on preserving the wholeness and soundness of something.

preserve its condition

Highlights the act of keeping something in its current state.

sustain its wholeness

Emphasizes the continuation of something being complete.

retain its original form

Underscores the act of keeping something in its initial shape or appearance.

hold it together

A more informal way of saying to prevent something from falling apart.

conserve its structure

Implies the careful preservation of the arrangement of parts.

safeguard its composition

Highlights the protection of the elements that make up something.

uphold its state

Focuses on supporting and maintaining something in its existing form.

secure its entirety

Implies making sure something remains complete and untouched.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "keep in tact"?

The correct phrase is "keep intact", meaning to maintain something in its original condition.

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

Example: "We need to keep intact the historical documents during the renovation."

What does "keep intact" mean?

"Keep intact" means to maintain something in its original condition, without damage or alteration.

Are there alternatives to "keep intact"?

Yes, you can also use phrases like "maintain its integrity", "preserve its condition", or "retain its original form" depending on the specific context.