keep it real with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep it real with" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in informal contexts to encourage honesty or authenticity in communication or relationships. Example: "I appreciate you always keeping it real with me, even when the truth is hard to hear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

I'll do my best to keep it real, with numbers when appropriate.

The New York Times

Because the Republicans are going to keep it real, with attack ads and worse.

The New York Times

And through it all, they promise to "keep it real" with all the artifice at their command.

The New York Times - Arts

111th over: West Indies 401-8 (Chanderpaul 126, Collins 0) Giles and Chanderpaul keep it real with an over of attrition.

The Guardian - Sport

Spend about the same amount and keep it real with Eskuché's shapely, black lacquered headphones with the comfiest ear pads extant and a two-tiered cloth and metal headband that doesn't scream revenge of the nerds.

The New York Times

In September, he gave an interview on VladTV in which he addressed white rappers directly, telling them, "You are guests in the house of hip-hop… Keep it real with yourselves: you know this is a black man's thing.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Toppings are very personal – I like the crunch of demerara sugar, or the gooey sweetness of golden syrup, but Gordon Ramsay "keeps it real" with Greek yoghurt and honey, and Barry Gauld of the Kinlochewe Hotel, Achnasheen goes for langoustine tails and scallops.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You know we kept it real with those boys.

Huffington Post

Sure, he's got his laptop, but he also "keeps it real" with the turntables.

Vice

Maxwell's "Fingers Crossed" was always on repeat in my car, and Alicia Keys kept it real with "More Than We Know".

Huffington Post

When Christopher Wallace chose Biggie Smalls as a rap name, he was sued by Lockhart and forced to change the name to Notorious B.I.G. "If I fuck another nigga, don't mean nothing B.I.G. is in my heart from the start Whether broke or rich, I'm a stay his bitch Chicks who used to be around, where they at now? (See I don't care bout them other broads) B.I.G. kept it real with me, and that's that".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for social media, consider "keep it real with" to encourage vulnerability and openness with your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "keep it real with" in formal writing or professional settings where a more direct and professional tone is expected. Opt for phrases like "be honest with" or "be transparent with" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep it real with" functions as an idiomatic expression used to urge or advise someone to be honest, genuine, and authentic in their interactions. Ludwig provides examples where it's used in conversations, media, and personal advice contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep it real with" is an idiomatic expression that encourages honesty and authenticity in communication. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in informal contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for casual settings, as overusing it in formal situations can detract from a professional tone. Alternatives like "be honest with" or "be genuine with" offer more formal options. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, highlighting its relevance in contemporary discussions about transparency and sincerity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be real with

This alternative omits "keep it" but holds a similar meaning.

be honest with

This is a direct and straightforward substitute, focusing on truthfulness.

be truthful with

Highlights the importance of telling the truth, often in serious situations.

be genuine with

This alternative emphasizes authenticity but uses a more formal tone.

be authentic with

Focuses on presenting oneself as one truly is, without pretense.

be upfront with

Implies being direct and frank, often in a business or professional context.

tell it like it is with

Highlights unfiltered honesty and a lack of sugarcoating.

level with

Suggests being completely honest and open, often after holding something back.

lay it on the line with

Suggests speaking frankly and directly, even if it might be uncomfortable.

give it to someone straight

This is a more colloquial alternative, emphasizing blunt honesty.

FAQs

What does "keep it real with" mean?

The phrase "keep it real with" means to be honest, authentic, and genuine in your interactions and relationships with others. It suggests avoiding pretense and being true to yourself.

How can I use "keep it real with" in a sentence?

You can use "keep it real with" to encourage someone to be honest, as in "I appreciate that you always "be honest with" me, even when it's difficult." or to describe someone's authentic behavior.

What can I say instead of "keep it real with"?

Alternatives to "keep it real with" include "be genuine with", "be honest with", or "be authentic with", depending on the specific context and level of formality required.

Is "keep it real with" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "keep it real with" is generally considered informal and is best suited for casual conversations or less formal writing. In professional or academic settings, opt for more formal alternatives such as "be truthful with" or "be upfront with".