keep it low

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep it low" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it in a variety of contexts to indicate that someone should be discreet or cautious. For example, you could tell a friend, "Just keep it low so your parents don't find out about our plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

I managed to keep it low.

The Guardian - Sport

"I want to keep it low key," Ms. Potgorsky said.

The New York Times

"It takes a lot of work to keep it low".

The New York Times - Food

Keep it low and dull (I mean "contextual").

The Guardian

They also will keep it low long enough to assure that a recovery is well entrenched.

The New York Times

"They would keep it low so nobody knew about it but them," Mr. Lewis said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

So, we keep it low-key.

The New York Times - Sports

"We just want to keep it low-key for the year.

The New York Times - Sports

"Our original plan was to keep it low-end, or more casual," Ogrodnek says.

The New York Times

"Keep it low-key, make it like dating, dole out information very, very slowly".

BBC

"They keep it low-key.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "keep it low", ensure the context is clear whether you mean to maintain a low profile, minimize expenses, or reduce the volume of something. Clarity prevents misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "keep it low" without providing sufficient context. Without clarification, listeners might misinterpret the phrase as a suggestion to reduce volume when you meant to maintain a low profile, or vice versa.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep it low" functions primarily as an imperative, directing someone to maintain something at a reduced level or intensity. As Ludwig AI indicates, its applicability spans various contexts, from maintaining discretion to minimizing costs.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

34%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep it low" is a versatile imperative used to advise moderation, discretion, or minimization, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's commonly found in news and media, as well as wiki content, indicating a generally informal register. While grammatically sound, it benefits from contextual clarity to prevent misinterpretation. Related phrases include "maintain a low profile" and "keep it discreet". When using "keep it low", ensure the context makes clear whether you're referring to visibility, volume, cost, or something else entirely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain a low profile

Focuses on avoiding attention or publicity.

keep it discreet

Emphasizes the need for secrecy or confidentiality.

keep it subtle

Highlights the importance of avoiding overt or obvious actions.

downplay it

Suggests minimizing the importance or visibility of something.

keep quiet about it

Stresses the need to remain silent or not disclose information.

keep it understated

Implies a preference for simplicity and lack of ostentation.

keep it confidential

Highlights the need to maintain secrecy and privacy.

keep it secret

Emphasizes the need to hide something from others.

keep it simple

Focuses on avoiding unnecessary complexity or elaboration.

keep it quiet

Stresses the need to avoid noise or disturbance, or keep something private

FAQs

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

You can use "keep it low" to advise someone to be discreet, minimize something, or reduce the intensity of something. For example: "Let's "keep it low" so no one notices us" or "We need to "keep it low cost" on this project".

What does it mean to "keep it low key"?

To "keep it low-key" means to avoid making a big deal out of something, to be understated and relaxed, or to avoid attracting attention. It's similar to saying "maintain a low profile".

What can I say instead of "keep it low" when referring to volume?

When referring to volume, you can say "turn it down", "lower the volume", or "keep it quiet".

Which is correct, "keep it low" or "keep it lowly"?

"Keep it low" is correct. "Lowly" is an adjective meaning humble or of low status, while "low" functions as an adverb in the phrase, modifying the action of keeping something at a reduced level or intensity.