keep it so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep it so" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a desire for something to remain in a certain state or condition. Example: "If you find a solution that works, please keep it so for future reference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"McVeigh, like the government, had its own reasons to keep it so.

The New York Times

How did she keep it so perfect?

The New Yorker

The challenge is to keep it so.

The Economist

How did he keep it so fierce?

The Guardian

How do you keep it so fresh and clear?

The New York Times

It must be suspicious to keep it so secret.

Independent

How do you keep it so clean and perfect looking?

The New York Times

"I just want to keep it, so I can take my granddaughter Emma Rose through it.

The New York Times

It feels like theatre but we keep it so stripped down.

The Guardian - Books

"Everyone asks, 'How did he keep it so quiet?'" she said.

The Guardian - Music

The meeting of the two sides was an attempt to keep it so, especially with the prospect of change ahead.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep it so" when you want to express a desire for something to remain in its current state or condition, especially when that state is considered desirable or beneficial.

Common error

Avoid using "keep it so" too frequently in your writing. While it's a valid phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "leave it that way" or "maintain it thus".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep it so" functions as a directive or expression of intent to maintain a current state or condition. It implies a desire for something to remain unchanged. Ludwig AI's assessment confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep it so" is a versatile phrase used to express the desire to maintain a current state or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While it's commonly used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business, varying your language with synonyms like "leave it that way" or "maintain it thus" can prevent overuse. The phrase functions as a directive and is generally suitable for neutral to informal contexts, originating frequently from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let it remain so

Implies a decision to allow something to continue in its current state.

leave it that way

Focuses on the action of leaving something unchanged, simpler and more direct.

ensure it remains

Emphasizes the act of ensuring continued existence or state.

maintain it thus

Emphasizes maintaining the state in the described way, often more formal.

preserve it as is

Highlights preservation without alteration, suitable for more delicate or valuable items.

keep it in order

Focuses on preserving organization or structure.

sustain its condition

Implies ongoing effort to maintain a certain state, often used in contexts needing continuous support.

maintain the status quo

Specifically addresses keeping existing conditions without change, often in social or political contexts.

hold it steady

Suggests preventing deviation or change in a physical state or situation.

retain it that manner

Stresses holding something back, whether tangible or intangible, in that particular way.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep it so" to express a desire for something to remain in a certain state. For example, "If the agreement works, let's "let it remain so"." or "The goal is to "ensure it remains" a peaceful neighborhood; we must "keep it in order".

What are some alternatives to "keep it so"?

Alternatives include "leave it that way", "maintain it thus", "preserve it as is", or "sustain its condition" depending on the specific context.

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

It's appropriate to use "keep it so" when you want to emphasize the importance of maintaining a particular state or condition, often one that is perceived as beneficial or desirable. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though synonyms might be preferred in highly formal writing.

Is "keep it so" grammatically correct?

Yes, "keep it so" is grammatically correct. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a standard phrase used to express the desire to maintain a current condition or state. Although it is grammatically valid, consider rephrasing to "maintain the status quo" or "ensure it remains".