keep it on

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep it on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to encourage someone to maintain something or to continue doing something. For example: "Keep it on! You are almost finished."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Keep it on".

The New York Times - Arts

"Keep it on your bathroom counter".

The Guardian - Opinion

"Keep it on," he said.

Los Angeles Times

Keep it on for a few minutes.

WikiHow

"I keep it on".

The New York Times - Sports

They keep it on.

The New York Times - Sports

"Keep it on the whole time.

The New Yorker

Keep it on the cool side.

Harvard University

I cannot keep it on the shelf.

Cornell University

It's just easier to keep it on".

The New York Times - Food

We can't keep it on the shelf.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "keep it on", ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. Specify what "it" refers to, especially in technical or complex scenarios.

Common error

Avoid using "keep it on" without specifying what "it" refers to. This can lead to confusion. Instead of saying "Remember to keep it on", specify, "Remember to keep the lights on" or "Remember to keep the application running".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "keep it on" is as a phrasal verb, specifically an imperative. It functions to direct or instruct someone to maintain a certain state or action. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

22%

Science

7%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep it on" is a very common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to instruct someone to maintain the operation or state of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in many different contexts, with News & Media and Wiki being the most frequent, though its neutral register allows for broad application. When using "keep it on", ensure clarity by specifying what "it" refers to, and in formal settings, consider more precise alternatives like "maintain its operation". Common related phrases include "leave it running" and "don't turn it off".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let it stay on

This is a more casual way of saying "keep it on", with a slightly relaxed tone.

leave it running

This alternative focuses on the continuous operation of something, similar to "keep it on".

leave it switched on

This focuses on the state of being switched on, synonymous with "keep it on".

don't turn it off

This alternative provides a negative directive to achieve the same result as "keep it on".

maintain its operation

This is a more formal way of saying "keep it on", emphasizing the act of maintaining functionality.

ensure it stays active

This phrase highlights the action of ensuring that something remains in an active state.

continue to wear it

This refers specifically to wearing something, while "keep it on" can have broader applications.

sustain its performance

Similar to "keep it on", but emphasizes the maintenance of performance levels.

preserve its state

This suggests maintaining the current condition, which aligns with the idea of "keep it on".

refrain from deactivating it

This is a more formal and indirect way of saying "keep it on".

FAQs

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

You can use "keep it on" to instruct someone to maintain the operation of something, like "Please "keep it on" all night" (referring to a light) or to continue wearing something, like "Keep it on; it looks good on you" (referring to a hat).

What does ""keep it on" the down low" mean?

This idiom means to keep something secret or discreet. It suggests avoiding attention or public knowledge about a particular matter.

Which is more appropriate: ""keep it on"" or "leave it on"?

Both are generally interchangeable, but ""keep it on"" implies a more active effort to maintain the state, while "leave it on" suggests a more passive approach of not changing the current state.

What are some alternatives to ""keep it on"" in a formal setting?

In a formal setting, consider using phrases like "maintain its operation", "ensure it remains active", or "sustain its performance" for greater precision and professionalism.