keep it that way

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'keep it that way' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something should stay the same. For example: "You have a great relationship with your parents, so keep it that way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Let's Keep It That Way.

The New York Times

Keep it that way now".

The New York Times - Sports

The beautician insisted I keep it that way.

The New York Times

Keep it that way.

Huffington Post

Keep it that way on a daily basis.

WikiHow

Keep it that way, at least for a while.

WikiHow

Let's keep it that way.

The New York Times - Food

I hope to keep it that way.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

I kept it that way.

The New York Times

Their crowd was muted and we kept it that way.

BBC

I just kept it that way.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "keep it that way", ensure that the context is clear. It should be immediately obvious what "it" refers to in order to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Our team is performing well; let's keep it that way".

Common error

Avoid using "keep it that way" when the 'it' is unclear or undefined. Always ensure the reference is explicitly stated or easily understood from the immediate context to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep it that way" functions as an imperative expression, urging the continuation of a current state or condition. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It often appears at the end of a statement to reinforce the desire for things to remain as they are.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

10%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep it that way" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the desire for a current situation to continue. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used and understood. While generally neutral to informal, its precise tone can shift depending on context. For instance, using "keep it that way" implies that we should "don't change a thing" or even "maintain the status quo". Its frequent appearance in news and media outlets underscores its relevance in everyday communication. When you intend to convey the importance of not altering something that's working well, "keep it that way" is an effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep things as they are

A very close synonym, focusing on maintaining the current situation without changes.

don't change a thing

This alternative conveys a strong desire to avoid any modifications.

leave it as it is

This alternative is a simpler, more direct way of expressing the same sentiment.

ensure it stays like this

This alternative focuses on guaranteeing that the current condition is maintained.

let things remain unchanged

This alternative emphasizes the lack of alteration or modification.

maintain the status quo

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes preserving the existing state of affairs.

prevent any alteration

This alternative strongly emphasizes the act of stopping any changes from occurring.

preserve the current condition

This alternative is slightly more formal and highlights the act of actively protecting the existing state.

sustain the present form

This alternative is more formal and suggests ongoing effort to maintain the current state.

hold it steady

This alternative implies preventing something from deteriorating or changing negatively.

FAQs

How can I use "keep it that way" in a sentence?

You can use "keep it that way" to express a desire for a current situation to continue. For example, "The project is running smoothly; let's "keep it that way"".

What are some alternatives to "keep it that way"?

Alternatives include "leave it as it is", "maintain the status quo", or "don't change a thing", depending on the context.

Is "keep it that way" formal or informal?

"Keep it that way" is generally considered informal but can be used in neutral contexts. For more formal situations, consider using phrases like "maintain the current condition".

What does "keep it that way" imply?

It implies a desire to preserve the current state of affairs, suggesting that the situation is satisfactory and should not be altered. It often carries a sense of encouragement or warning.