keep it as it is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep it as it is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that something should remain unchanged. For example: "I think we should keep it as it is and not try to fix something that isn't broken."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

He plans to keep it as it is.

The New York Times

You want to keep it as it is".

The New York Times

I beg you to keep it as it is for that one reader".

The New Yorker

But Mr. Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood prefer to keep it as it is.

The New York Times

'Don't underestimate how hard it is to keep it as it is.

The Guardian - Sport

And a new owner can renovate, raze and rebuild, or keep it as it is.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Rather than keep it as it was, or even imagining a golden future.

The Guardian

"She left it to me instead of to her family, because she knew I would keep it as it was, in the original".

The New York Times - Travel

Nancy Berliner, the museum's curator of Chinese art, who supervised the house's relocation, decided to keep it as it was to show the changes in Chinese family life over eight generations.

The New York Times - Travel

The ownership of the hotel and I share the same vision and that is not to overbuild the hotel but to keep it as it was at inception.

Huffington Post

His descendants have kept it as it was then: the door a certain angle for hoop skirts and all sorts of dyed alligator skins.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep it as it is", ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. Specifically state what "it" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "keep it as it is" without clearly establishing what "it" refers to. This can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. Always provide a specific antecedent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep it as it is" functions as a directive or recommendation to maintain the status quo. It suggests preserving something in its current condition without alterations. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from physical objects to abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

12%

Science

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep it as it is" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to advocate for maintaining the current state of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is applicable across a range of contexts, from advising against renovating a charming old house to preserving a successful radio show format. While versatile, clarity is crucial; always ensure the "it" in the phrase is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. While the phrase is widely used, alternatives like "maintain its current form" or "preserve its original state" may be more appropriate for formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep it unchanged

A straightforward way to express maintaining something without changes.

keep it in its existing condition

More descriptive and emphasizes the status quo.

maintain its current form

Focuses on preserving the existing shape or structure.

leave it untouched

Emphasizes avoiding any alteration or modification.

preserve its original state

Highlights the importance of keeping something in its initial condition.

retain its present condition

Stresses the continuation of the current state.

sustain its current status

Implies an effort to support the existing state.

leave it in its actual shape

Underscores the importance of retaining the current form.

keep it in the same format

Specifically refers to maintaining the arrangement or presentation.

do not alter its composition

Focuses on maintaining the ingredients or parts.

FAQs

How can I use "keep it as it is" in a sentence?

You can use "keep it as it is" when you want to convey that something should remain in its current state or condition. For example, "The old house has charm, let's "keep it as it is" instead of renovating it completely".

What does "keep it as it is" mean?

"Keep it as it is" means to maintain something in its existing state, without making any changes or modifications.

Are there formal alternatives to "keep it as it is"?

Yes, you can use more formal alternatives like "maintain its current form" or "preserve its original state" for more professional contexts. See also: "retain its present condition".

Is "keep it as it is" grammatically correct?

Yes, "keep it as it is" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.