keep it intact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep it intact" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the importance of preserving something in its original state or condition. Example: "Please handle the document carefully and keep it intact to ensure all information remains accurate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Fashionista Blow killed herself in 2007, and her own extensive wardrobe - sold to settle debts on her estate - was bought in its entirety by Guinness to keep it intact.

Independent

Studying its haunting beauty, he vowed to keep it intact.

The New York Times

Its modern features include temperature control for its three meditation rooms and specially mixed concrete intended to keep it intact through 1,000 Rocky Mountain winters.

The New York Times

He would much rather keep it intact.

The New York Times

Ottomanism was their formula to keep it intact.

The New York Times

At Mr. Hawkins's urging, we carried it vertically to keep it intact.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

"They kept it intact by keeping it dead quiet.

The New York Times - Arts

If this subcircuit is redeployed throughout evolution as a unit, as seems to be the case given the frequency of its presence, the mechanism that keeps it intact is unknown.

eLife

Anand Grover, senior counsel and director of Lawyers Collective HIV/Aids Unit, who represented the CPAA in the courts, said: "The supreme court's interpretation of section 3 d) keeps it intact.

The Guardian

There is enough statistical evidence to show that when you allow a massive influx of new immigrants within a short space of time, the society on the receiving end becomes balkanised and conflicted, depleting the very glue – social cohesion – that keeps it intact.

The Guardian

For thousands of years, the landscape has enjoyed a cold climate that keeps it intact.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep it intact", ensure the context clearly defines what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For example, instead of "We need to keep it intact", specify "We need to keep the original manuscript intact."

Common error

Avoid embedding "keep it intact" within overly convoluted sentences. Complex sentence structures can dilute the impact of the phrase. For instance, instead of saying "Despite the challenges, the team endeavored to, against all odds, keep it intact, showcasing resilience", consider "The team persevered and managed to "keep it intact", showing great resilience."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep it intact" functions primarily as a directive phrase, often used to advise or instruct someone to maintain the original state or condition of something. Ludwig highlights its usage across various contexts, affirming its grammatical correctness and widespread application.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

16%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep it intact" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the importance of maintaining the original state or condition of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including news, academia, and general writing. To enhance clarity, it's best practice to clearly define what "it" refers to and avoid embedding the phrase in overly complex sentences. Alternatives like "maintain its integrity" or "preserve its original form" can be used for variety. When used in writing, this directive carries the communicative purpose of preservation. The phrase has a neutral register and appears in a variety of contexts, although more frequently in news and media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain its integrity

Focuses on preserving the wholeness and soundness of something.

preserve its original form

Highlights maintaining the initial shape or structure.

conserve its structure

Emphasizes the act of conserving or protecting the existing framework.

maintain its condition

Highlights keeping something in its current state, often implying good repair.

protect its wholeness

Focuses on safeguarding the complete and undamaged state.

retain its completeness

Emphasizes the act of retaining all parts or aspects of something.

save it from damage

Highlights the action of preventing harm or deterioration.

secure its composition

Emphasizes the stability and preservation of the elements that make up something.

hold it together

Suggests preventing fragmentation or collapse.

keep it whole

Focuses on maintaining the unbroken and undivided state of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep it intact" when you want to emphasize the importance of preserving something in its original state or condition. For example: "Please handle the document carefully and "keep it intact" to ensure all information remains accurate."

What can I say instead of "keep it intact"?

You can use alternatives like "maintain its integrity", "preserve its original form", or "conserve its structure" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "keep it intact" and "preserve it"?

"Keep it intact" implies maintaining something in its current, undamaged state, while "preserve it" suggests protecting something from decay or damage for the future. Although closely related, "preserve it" often involves active measures to ensure longevity.

When is it appropriate to use "keep it intact" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "keep it intact" when you want to convey the importance of maintaining something's original form, structure, or condition, especially when there's a risk of alteration or damage. For example, "It is crucial to "keep it intact" to ensure there is not a deviation from what was originally written."