keep it together

USAGE SUMMARY

'keep it together' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is typically used to encourage someone to remain calm and composed, especially in difficult or challenging situations. For example: "I know this is a tough situation, but try to keep it together and we'll get through it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Just keep it together.

Independent

Keep it together, keep it together.

The New York Times - Sports

Keep it together.

The New York Times - Food

Will Rick keep it together?

The New York Times

"We couldn't keep it together.

The New York Times - Sports

Can They Keep It Together?

The New York Times - Arts

"You're trying to keep it together".

The New York Times - Sports

"We're just trying to keep it together".

Independent

"We have to just keep it together.

The New York Times - Sports

We'll keep it together to the finish.

The New York Times - Sports

"But I just couldn't keep it together".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering encouragement, use "keep it together" to reassure someone they have the strength to manage a difficult situation.

Common error

Avoid using "keep it together" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for moments of genuine stress or emotional challenge to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep it together" functions as an imperative, urging someone to maintain emotional control. It's often used as a form of encouragement or reassurance during stressful or challenging times. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep it together" is a versatile phrase used to encourage emotional resilience. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves as a neutral yet supportive expression, urging individuals to maintain composure during challenges. While its core meaning remains consistent, context dictates its specific impact. Remember to reserve its use for genuine moments of stress to maintain its effectiveness. Alternatives like "maintain composure" or "stay calm" can offer similar encouragement with slight variations in tone. This phrase conveys support and belief in someone's ability to manage tough times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold it together

Similar in meaning, but implies a need to prevent something from falling apart.

keep your cool

Emphasizes staying relaxed and avoiding anger or agitation.

maintain composure

Focuses on the act of remaining calm and in control of one's emotions.

stay calm

Emphasizes the importance of remaining tranquil and avoiding panic.

control yourself

Directly addresses the need to govern one's actions and reactions.

pull yourself together

Suggests an active effort to regain control of one's emotions.

get a grip

Implies regaining control after a period of emotional instability.

don't fall apart

Warns against losing emotional control and succumbing to distress.

remain collected

Highlights maintaining a calm and orderly state of mind.

keep a stiff upper lip

An idiom referring to maintaining emotional control in the face of adversity.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep it together" to encourage someone facing a difficult situation, like: "I know you're nervous about the presentation, but try to "keep it together"."

What's a less direct way to tell someone to "keep it together"?

Instead of directly telling someone to "keep it together", you could offer support by saying: "You've got this", or "Take a deep breath and focus".

What does it mean when someone says "I can't keep it together"?

Saying "I can't "keep it together"" usually means someone is overwhelmed and struggling to maintain emotional control in a stressful situation.

Are there situations where "keep it together" might not be appropriate?

While generally encouraging, telling someone to "keep it together" might not be suitable if they need to express their emotions. In such cases, offering support and understanding may be more helpful.