keep it in order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep it in order" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to maintain organization or sequence in a particular context. Example: "Please make sure to keep it in order when filing the documents."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

They have suggested that it could either have been heading to North Korea for "repair and return" as the Cuban authorities suggest, or that North Korea could have intended to keep it in order to bolster its air defence capabilities.

BBC

"As you mix the paints, you tend to subconsciously model the tip of the brush with your mouth, just to keep it in order.

Independent

The world, according to the Talmud, was created for the sake of man, and it is incumbent upon him to keep it in order.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If a state is supposed to have declined and to be in chaos, even virtuous and wise people cannot keep it in order; if the time is supposed to be well-governed, even bad people cannot cause chaos.

Lingua Sinica

Keep it in order.

WikiHow

Once you have the linen closet sorted, be disciplined to keep it in order.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

He said he returned two or three times a year to drive the car and keep it in running order, but he was looking for an affordable way to keep the TR3A closer to home.

The New York Times

He confesses he found it hard to keep it in chronological order, but that is good: more like what our memories really are, Napoleon and Métilde, Richmond and Racine and pale poor girls with chestnut hair.

The Guardian - Books

Therefore you need to manually over a period of months increase the pressure in order to keep it in good working order.

WikiHow

Once you have good, durable equipment, do what is necessary to keep it in good working order.

WikiHow

Secretary of State John Kerry suggested recently that less attention should be paid to terrorism in order to keep it in perspective.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions, use "keep it in order" to clearly communicate the need for maintaining a specific sequence or arrangement, especially when dealing with multiple items or steps.

Common error

Avoid using "keep it in order" when a more specific term like "organize" or "maintain" would be more appropriate. The phrase implies a specific sequence or established arrangement, so ensure that context is present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep it in order" primarily functions as an instructional imperative, urging the maintenance of a specific arrangement or sequence. Ludwig indicates its correct usage in written English, and the examples show it used across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

43%

News & Media

29%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep it in order" is a grammatically sound and useful expression that instructs the maintenance of a specific arrangement or sequence. As indicated by Ludwig, it’s suitable for a variety of contexts. While not exceedingly common, it frequently appears in WikiHow articles and news media, and it can be replaced by alternatives like "maintain proper sequence" or "stay organized" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember, it's crucial to use it when a specific order or arrangement is important, avoiding overuse in contexts where a more general term would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain proper sequence

Highlights the sequential aspect, replacing general organization with specific order.

stay organized

Simplifies the expression to a broader concept of being organized, losing the 'it' reference.

maintain its arrangement

Specifically refers to keeping something arranged in a certain way.

maintain its condition

Focuses on preserving the current state, differing from the original phrase's emphasis on arrangement.

maintain its structure

Focuses on preserving the underlying structure, which is a more specific type of order.

preserve its state

Emphasizes maintaining the existing form, less about organization and more about upkeep.

keep it well-maintained

Focuses specifically on ensuring proper maintenance and care.

ensure its upkeep

Shifts the focus to maintenance, omitting the organizational aspect of the original phrase.

preserve its configuration

Emphasizes maintaining a specific configuration or setup.

keep things tidy

Broadens the meaning to general tidiness, not necessarily implying a specific order.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep it in order" to instruct someone to maintain organization or sequence in a particular context. For example, "Please make sure to keep it in order when filing the documents."

What are some alternatives to using "keep it in order"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "keep it in order" include "maintain proper sequence", "stay organized", or "ensure its upkeep".

When is it appropriate to use "keep it in order"?

"Keep it in order" is best used when referring to a set of items or steps that must follow a specific sequence or arrangement. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining that established order.

What does "keep it in order" mean?

"Keep it in order" means to maintain something in its correct or intended sequence or arrangement. It implies that there is a specific order that must be preserved.