keep it unstable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep it unstable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to suggest maintaining a state of unpredictability or lack of stability, often in discussions about systems, environments, or conditions. Example: "In order to foster creativity, we should keep it unstable and allow for spontaneous ideas to emerge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In particular, rivalry between Somalia's many clans, which has been the country's bane since its inception half a century ago, will keep it unstable for a long time yet.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

3. Keep it brief.

BMC Public Health

2. Keep it simple.

BMC Biology

We kept it.

Biology Direct

"But if Russia follows its usual paranoia about America and its usual instinct to use the internal problems of Georgia to apply pressure," he said, "it could try to keep Georgia unstable".

The New York Times

Instead, it would prefer to keep eastern Ukraine unstable as an object lesson to its own population of the dangers of popular protest leading to the overthrow of even a relatively unpopular government.

Huffington Post

Mr Putin has plenty of tools at his disposal to keep Ukraine unstable and off limits for the West.

The Economist

What the two forces keep in unstable balance is the family circle the terrible hold of the father who both sustained them and tormented them, who pushed them out to be discovered as well as to be wounded some more by other men.

The New Yorker

Among Mr. Karzai's critical comments on Sunday, which came at an early-morning news conference in honor of women's day in Afghanistan, he charged that the American government and the Taliban, while using different means, had in effect colluded to keep Afghanistan unstable to justify a continued American military presence.

The New York Times

The effort follows Mr. Obama's call, in a column on Sunday in a Tucson newspaper, to put aside "stale policy debates" and begin "a new discussion" on ways to better enforce and strengthen existing laws to keep mentally unstable, violent and criminal people from getting guns.

The New York Times

But last weekend, Mr. Karzai showed a truly sinister side in accusing the United States of colluding with the Taliban on suicide attacks to keep Afghanistan unstable and to give forces an excuse to stay beyond the troop withdrawal deadline, at the end of 2014.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep it unstable", ensure the context is clear about what "it" refers to. Specify the system or situation you want to remain in a state of flux.

Common error

Avoid using "keep it unstable" without proper context. It can sound vague if you don't clearly specify what needs to remain unstable and why. Always provide context to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep it unstable" functions as a directive or recommendation, suggesting the maintenance of a non-static state. It implies a deliberate choice to avoid stability in a given context. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Reference

7%

Social Media

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep it unstable" is a grammatically sound phrase that advises maintaining a state of flux or unpredictability. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not overly formal, its appropriateness depends on the context, fitting well within news and media, as well as scientific discussions. It's vital to define what "it" refers to for clarity. Alternatives include "maintain instability" and "foster unpredictability". By understanding its function, purpose, and potential pitfalls, you can effectively use this phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain instability

Focuses on the act of maintaining a state of instability.

preserve its volatility

Emphasizes the preservation of volatile characteristics.

sustain the turbulence

Highlights the continuation of turbulent conditions.

ensure its fluctuating nature

Stresses the assurance of a fluctuating state.

prevent stabilization

Focuses on preventing a state of stability.

promote imbalance

Highlights actively encouraging a lack of balance.

foster unpredictability

Emphasizes the nurturing of unpredictable elements.

encourage flux

Focuses on actively encouraging a state of flux or change.

uphold its fluidity

Emphasizes the maintenance of fluid, changeable conditions.

retain its erratic state

Highlights the retention of an erratic or unpredictable condition.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep it unstable" to suggest maintaining a state of unpredictability. For example, "In order to foster creativity, we should keep it unstable and allow for spontaneous ideas to emerge."

What are some alternative phrases for "keep it unstable"?

You can use alternatives like "maintain instability", "preserve its volatility", or "foster unpredictability" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "keep it unstable" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "keep it unstable" might sound informal. Consider using more formal alternatives like "maintain instability" or "prevent stabilization" in formal contexts.

In what situations might you want to "keep it unstable"?

You might want to "keep it unstable" in situations where stability could lead to stagnation or lack of innovation, such as in brainstorming sessions or dynamic project management.