keep it handy

USAGE SUMMARY

'keep it handy' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to suggest that someone should keep something close at hand or within easy reach. For example: "Make sure to keep your passport handy; we'll need it when we check into the hotel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

In short, if you're coming up on three score and 10 or have already passed that biblical term limit for earthly existence, you will want to read "The Art of Dying Well" and keep it handy, if only for its lists of what to do as one's physical condition changes.

The Washington Post

Keep it handy for college interviews.

The New York Times

I keep it handy just in case.

The Guardian - Opinion

If you have a cell phone, keep it handy.

Columbia University

Keep it handy to access your alumni benefits--listed below.

Columbia University

You may not think you need it now but keep it handy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

(Even the Bradys, those exemplars of clean living, apparently kept it handy: in the pilot for "The Brady Bunch," in 1969, Carol tells Mike to take a tranquillizer to counteract prenuptial jitters. "I took one," he says, and she responds, "Maybe you should take another one".

The New Yorker

He ignored her but knew exactly what she meant: He was 10 when he read the Jet magazine that contained the dead boy's photograph, an image that shook him so much that he saved the magazine and, at 32, still keeps it handy.

The New York Times

My fine art work had always been about transformation and had an idea that I might want to begin a series of me in the tutu so I kept it handy as we drove across the country.

Huffington Post

Keep it always handy for the next time you use the apple scab tool, because NEWA doesn't remember this for you.

Cornell University

Step 2 Write down your intention and keep it displayed or handy so that you can refer to it frequently.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to "keep it handy", specify where or how the item should be kept for maximum effectiveness. For instance, "Keep your first-aid kit handy in the car for emergencies."

Common error

While "keep it handy" is perfectly acceptable in many contexts, it may sound too informal in highly professional or academic writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "ensure its availability" or "maintain easy access" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep it handy" functions as an imperative, typically used to give a directive or instruction. As confirmed by Ludwig, it suggests ensuring something is readily available for immediate use. This is a common way to advise someone to maintain easy access to a particular item.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

33%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep it handy" is a common and generally correct imperative suggesting that something should be kept readily accessible. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, including News & Media and Wiki sources, but is less prevalent in formal academic or business settings. When writing, consider the context to determine if a more formal alternative like "ensure its availability" might be more appropriate. This instruction ensures preparedness and convenience, making it a valuable addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make sure it's on hand

Similar in meaning, but slightly more informal.

keep it within reach

Highlights the physical proximity and ease of obtaining something.

have it at your fingertips

Implies something is very easily and quickly accessible.

keep it accessible

Emphasizes the ease of access to something, rather than the act of keeping it.

keep it close

Emphasizes physical proximity, suggesting keeping something near your person.

have it available

Focuses on the general availability of something, rather than its immediate accessibility.

have it ready

Highlights the preparedness aspect of having something available.

maintain easy access to it

More formal way of saying to keep something accessible.

ensure it is readily available

Emphasizes the certainty of availability when needed.

store it nearby

Focuses on the act of storing something in a close location.

FAQs

How can I use "keep it handy" in a sentence?

You can use "keep it handy" to advise someone to store something in an easily accessible place. For example, "Keep your passport handy at the airport".

What's a more formal way to say "keep it handy"?

If you need a more formal alternative, you could say "ensure its availability" or "maintain easy access".

What does "keep it handy" mean?

"Keep it handy" means to keep something nearby or in a place where it can be easily reached or used.

Is there a difference between "have it available" and "keep it handy"?

While both suggest accessibility, "keep it handy" implies a more immediate or frequent need for the item than simply "have it available".