keep it stationary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep it stationary" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to maintain an object in a fixed position without movement. Example: "During the experiment, please keep it stationary to ensure accurate measurements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

He also suggested I mount the device in a bracket or place it in a cup holder with enough surrounding material to keep it stationary and position it so it was leaning slightly forward.

The New York Times - Tech

At such high altitude, above the jet stream, the reduced air density means that the wind will be about 20 times weaker than at ground level, enabling the airship's solar-powered electric motors to keep it stationary with very little effort.

The Economist

After calibrating g in the initial steady state, we keep it stationary throughout the simulations (i.e., constant per effective unit of labor).

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

We calibrate Υ t in the steady state to match the deficit and keep it stationary (i.e., constant per effective unit of labor) throughout the rest of the simulation.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

The cuvette was placed in a custom-made stand to keep it stationary during laser exposure.

ACS Nano

Do not move the iron from side to side; keep it stationary.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

A disturbance formed along it on the 19th, and moved east-southeastward until the 22nd, when a ridge to its southeast kept it stationary.

Wikipedia

The film shows an oarfish swimming vertically, making undulations with its dorsal fin to keep it in a stationary position, which is thought to be for feeding.

BBC

A new halftime routine, including time on a stationary bike, has helped keep it loose.

The New York Times

But he was also helped, he says, by a waterskiing accident (he shows me a huge, zip-like scar all down his leg) that kept him stationary for a year.

The Guardian - Books

However, the principal function of OKR is to keep gaze stationary by nulling out any involuntary motion that results from visual drift or slow head movement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "keep it stationary", be specific about the method, such as using a clamp or non-slip surface, to ensure the instruction is clear and actionable.

Common error

Avoid using overly technical language when a simpler term like "still" is sufficient. Using "stationary" can sometimes sound unnecessarily formal and make instructions less accessible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep it stationary" primarily functions as an instruction or directive. It is used to advise or command someone to maintain an object or entity in a fixed, unmoving position. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase is used in various contexts, from technical instructions to everyday advice.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep it stationary" is a grammatically sound directive used to instruct someone to maintain an object or entity in a fixed, unmoving position. While grammatically correct, simpler alternatives may be preferable in less formal scenarios. According to Ludwig, the phrase sees usage across scientific, news, and general instructional contexts, indicating versatility. Remember that source authority, grammatical soundness, and usage contribute to the overall quality of the phrase. As a tip, be sure to specify how to keep something stationary for better clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep it motionless

Replaces "stationary" with "motionless", emphasizing the absence of movement.

keep it still

Uses "still" as a simpler and more common synonym for "stationary".

keep it steady

Implies maintaining balance and stability to avoid movement.

keep it stable

Focuses on maintaining a state of equilibrium, preventing any shift or displacement.

hold it in place

Emphasizes the action of securing something to prevent movement.

maintain its position

Highlights the act of upholding a specific location or arrangement.

prevent it from moving

Directly states the goal of stopping any motion.

ensure it remains fixed

Focuses on guaranteeing that something stays in a set position.

immobilize it

Suggests rendering something incapable of movement.

secure it in position

Implies fastening something firmly to prevent it from shifting.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep it stationary" when you need to instruct someone to maintain an object in a fixed position, like, "During the experiment, please keep the sample stationary."

What's a simpler way to say "keep it stationary"?

Alternatives include "keep it still" or "hold it in place", which are often easier to understand.

Is "keep it stationary" formal or informal?

The phrase "keep it stationary" leans towards the formal side. You might prefer alternatives like "keep it still" in informal contexts.

When is it important to use "keep it stationary" over a simpler alternative?

In technical or scientific contexts, "keep it stationary" can be preferable for its precision, ensuring there's no ambiguity about maintaining a fixed position. For example, "The cuvette was placed in a custom-made stand to keep it stationary during laser exposure."