keep large

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep large" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to suggest maintaining something at a large size, but it lacks context and clarity. Example: "Please keep large quantities of supplies on hand for the event."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I keep large databases with e-mail addresses in them.

The New York Times - Tech

(The ban covers the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy, which keep large stockpiles).

The New York Times

In May Toyota's Mr Toyoda promised to keep large facilities in Japan.

The Economist

So the service is of limited use for those people who keep large amounts of data.

The New York Times - Tech

To serve these customers, Southland had to keep large stocks of raw materials on hand.

Harvard Business Review

Researchers say it's important to maintain habitat connectivity to keep large populations — and their sizable gene pool — intact.

Yale University

For example, the American military would not be able to keep large quantities of supplies within range of enemy missiles.

The New York Times

So why not err on the side of caution and keep large banks from becoming bigger through merging?

The New York Times

Companies that keep large cash balances at a bank may be assured the finest terms from that lender.

The Economist

The alternative, he advised them, was to keep large military forces deployed inside the Palestinian areas indefinitely.

The Economist

Mr. Christou said the ditch was protected by barbed wire to keep large animals from tracking the waste into fields.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, replace "keep large" with more descriptive verbs like "maintain", "preserve", or "retain", paired with specific nouns to convey the precise meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "keep large" without a clarifying noun. For example, instead of "We need to keep large", specify what needs to be kept large, such as "We need to maintain large inventories" to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep large" functions primarily as a verb phrase intending to express the act of maintaining something in a significant size or quantity. However, it generally requires an object to complete its meaning. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase isn't entirely correct without further context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "keep large" appears frequently across various sources, including news, science, and business, it's not inherently grammatically sound and often requires additional context to be clear. Ludwig AI indicates it is "not correct" and needs some kind of verb to make it useful. More precise alternatives such as "maintain a large size", "retain a large amount", or "preserve large quantities" can enhance clarity and formality. When using "keep large", ensure that the following noun is explicit and the phrase's intent is unambiguous. Its widespread use indicates familiarity, but careful word choice is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain a large size

Replaces "keep" with a more formal "maintain" to emphasize the act of preserving dimensions.

retain a large amount

Substitutes "keep" with "retain", focusing on holding onto a significant quantity.

preserve large quantities

Uses "preserve" to indicate the act of maintaining in its original or existing state, particularly for tangible items.

store a large volume

Emphasizes the storage aspect, suitable for physical items or data.

hold a large inventory

Suitable for business contexts, focusing on maintaining stock levels.

have a large collection

Implies ownership and maintenance of a substantial group of items.

manage a large database

Suggests overseeing and administering extensive data.

operate large facilities

Focuses on the operation of expansive infrastructure or complexes.

sustain large populations

Highlights the act of providing the resources needed to support.

provide extensive coverage

Relevant in contexts where breadth or scope is being maintained.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "keep large" to improve clarity?

To enhance clarity, replace "keep large" with more specific alternatives such as "maintain a large size", "retain a large amount", or "preserve large quantities", depending on the context.

Is "keep large" grammatically correct?

While "keep large" appears in various contexts, it's not inherently grammatically sound. It typically requires a noun to follow it, specifying what is being kept large (e.g., "keep large quantities"). Consider using more precise alternatives for better clarity.

What is a more formal way to say "keep large"?

In formal contexts, instead of "keep large", use alternatives such as "maintain a large size" or "retain a large amount". These options provide a more professional and polished tone.

What are some common nouns that follow "keep large"?

Common nouns that can follow "keep large" include "quantities", "amounts", "inventories", and "forces". However, always ensure that the phrase is clear and grammatically correct in its specific context.