keep it there

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep it there" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to instruct someone to maintain the position or location of an object or idea. Example: "Please keep it there until I return to pick it up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He should still keep it there".

The New Yorker

I'm told they'll keep it there, and they should.

The New York Times - Food

And keep it there until the actor stops talking.

The New York Times

The schedule can keep it there for a while.

The New York Times - Sports

"Look around this week, take it all in and keep it there," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

But even the growing financial resources of the Party-state will not keep it there indefinitely.

The New York Times

"This is a fight about individual psychologists' behavior, and we should keep it there".

The New York Times

Mr. Jaure says he will keep it there until someone does.

The New York Times

"Keep it there and we will discuss it," he told Palestinian television.

The New York Times

We keep it there because people love to have their picture taken in front of it.

The New York Times

"Publishers are trying to herd Amazon back into their corner and keep it there," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep it there" to instruct someone to maintain the current placement of an object or idea. For example, "Keep the bandage there for at least 30 minutes."

Common error

Avoid using "keep it there" without specifying a duration when necessary. If the intention is temporary, make that clear. For example, instead of just saying "Keep it there", say "Keep it there for a few minutes" to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep it there" primarily functions as an imperative, directing someone to maintain something in its current location or state. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

News & Media

30%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep it there" is a common and grammatically sound directive used to instruct someone to maintain an object or idea in its current state or location. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. While generally neutral in register, its directness may require adjustment depending on the context. It's particularly prevalent in news and media, as well as informal contexts like wikis. When using the phrase, remember to specify a duration if the intent is temporary, and consider more formal alternatives like "retain it there" for professional settings. Overall, "keep it there" is a versatile and useful phrase for everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leave it there

Focuses more on the action of leaving something in place, rather than maintaining it.

maintain it there

Emphasizes the act of maintaining the current state or position.

hold it in place

Highlights the physical act of holding something steady.

retain it there

A more formal way of saying "keep it there", suggesting preservation.

store it there

Indicates placing something in a location for future use or safekeeping.

secure it there

Implies making sure something is firmly fixed in a specific location.

preserve it there

Focuses on maintaining something in its current condition over time.

fix it there

Suggests permanently attaching something to a location.

position it there

Highlights the action of placing something in a particular spot.

leave it be

Suggests not disturbing something where it is.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep it there" to instruct someone to maintain the position of an object. For example: "Keep it there until I get back".

What's a simple alternative to "keep it there"?

A simple alternative is "leave it there". It means the same thing but may be more appropriate depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "maintain it there" instead of "keep it there"?

"Maintain it there" is suitable when you want to emphasize the act of preserving something in its current condition or location over time, rather than simply holding it.

Is "keep it there" formal or informal?

"Keep it there" is generally considered informal but perfectly acceptable in most everyday contexts. For more formal situations, consider alternatives like "retain it there".