keep its identity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep its identity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the preservation of a person's, organization's, or object's unique characteristics or essence. Example: "Despite the changes in management, the company aims to keep its identity intact while evolving with the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Rice does need careful cooking though, and it must be treated with respect to keep its identity and texture in the dish.

Independent

Culture clash: Will Little Tokyo be able to keep its identity as downtown Los Angeles is built up around it?

Los Angeles Times

The GWR was the only company to keep its identity through the Railways Act 1921, which amalgamated it with the remaining independent railways within its territory, and it was finally merged at the end of 1947 when it was nationalised and became the Western Region of British Railways.

Wikipedia

Nevertheless, Petrograd -- later Leningrad -- endeavored to keep its identity as a Westernizing outpost.

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Taggart is preparing for SARS's annual retreat next month, wondering if the membership still wants to keep its identity.

The New York Times

In that way, Yahoo might be able to keep its identity while outsourcing its ad and search business to Microsoft for a pretty penny.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

They'll discuss Virago's place in the Women's Liberation Movement of the 70s - and how it's kept its identity in a publishing industry dominated by big business.

BBC

The piece was based on vernacular religious imagery but kept its identity as a near-abstract modern painting.

The New York Times - Arts

Suzuki, now a middleweight by global standards, raised its stake to 54% in 2002, taking control, but Maruti has kept its identity.

The Economist

Another difference, less important to most people, is that a GSM phone keeps its identity and data, like contact lists, on a removable SIM card, which makes it easy to switch to a new phone.

The New York Times - Tech

Under Jeff Zucker, who took over in 1992 as the program's executive producer, and who had been Couric's producer and friend when she was in Washington, "Today" kept its identity as a combination newscast and variety show but was more serious, certainly in its first half hour.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep its identity", ensure the subject you are referring to has a clearly defined identity or set of characteristics that are worth preserving. This provides context and relevance to the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "keep its identity" when the subject lacks a distinct or established identity. This can lead to confusion and weaken the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep its identity" functions as a verbal phrase, typically following a noun or pronoun to express the act of preserving the unique characteristics of that noun. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep its identity" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the preservation of distinct characteristics, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Commonly found in News & Media and Science, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject has a clear and defined identity to maintain. Alternatives like "maintain its character" or "preserve its essence" offer nuanced ways to convey the same idea. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "keep its identity" to highlight the importance of uniqueness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain its character

Focuses on preserving the distinct qualities that define something.

preserve its individuality

Emphasizes the protection of unique traits and features.

retain its distinctiveness

Highlights the act of maintaining qualities that set something apart.

uphold its originality

Stresses the importance of maintaining an untainted form.

sustain its uniqueness

Suggests a continuous effort to preserve a distinctive nature.

protect its essence

Focuses on safeguarding the core, fundamental aspects of something.

safeguard its nature

Highlights the action of defending the inherent qualities.

conserve its attributes

Emphasizes the preservation of specific characteristics.

secure its properties

Focuses on ensuring the protection of defining features.

defend its attributes

Underlines the need to actively protect defining characteristics.

FAQs

How can I use "keep its identity" in a sentence?

You can use "keep its identity" to describe efforts to maintain the unique characteristics of a person, place, or thing. For example: "The city is working hard to "maintain its heritage" and "preserve its uniqueness" despite rapid development".

What are some alternatives to "keep its identity"?

Some alternatives to "keep its identity" include "retain its character", "preserve its essence", or "maintain its distinctiveness". The best choice depends on the specific context and what aspect of identity you want to emphasize.

Is it better to say "keep its identity" or "maintain its identity"?

Both "keep its identity" and "maintain its identity" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Maintain" suggests a more active and ongoing effort, while "keep" can imply a more passive preservation. Choose the one that best fits the nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is "keep its identity" most commonly used?

"Keep its identity" is frequently used in discussions about cultural preservation, brand management, and organizational changes, where maintaining a unique and recognizable character is important.