keep maintain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep maintain" is not correct in standard written English.
It is redundant as both words convey a similar meaning of preserving or continuing something. Example: "To ensure the system runs smoothly, we need to keep maintain the software updates regularly."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"When you're doing a brand refresh, your goal is to keep, maintain and attract".

The New York Times

Omega-3 fatty acids are important to keep maintain the healthy state of immune system suggesting a new approach for autoimmune diseases, as well as cardiovascular system and nervous system disorders (Mehta et al. 1988; Simopoulos 2002).

AMB Express

"The new law [in Haryana] will also promote conservation and development of indigenous breeds of cows and establish institutions to keep, maintain and take care of the infirm, injured, stray and uneconomic cows," reports the NDTV website.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"We've been maintaining it all this time, and we'll keep maintaining it".

The New York Times

They got themselves so far in … pretending there was nothing amiss with Savile, they had to keep maintaining that myth".

The Guardian

"The world should see that if they keep maintaining the status quo, it will get you nothing but more bloodshed.

The Guardian

One day the BBC will have to stop broadcasting Radio 4 in long wave on 198, because the BBC can't keep maintaining the expensive transmission equipment.

The Guardian

"It is cheaper to keep maintaining the missiles than to dismantle them," Yevgeny Miasnikov of the Centre for Arms Control, Energy and Environmental Studies in Moscow said.

The Guardian

Today and years to come, one of the most challenging problems of the global economy is to keep maintaining and developing the correct balance of the environment from which resources are extracted.

Ocean & Coastal Management

I will try to keep maintaining this post so that it remains up to date.

TechCrunch

Of course, Twitter has no obligation to keep maintaining the API.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "keep maintain" as it's redundant. Choose either "keep" or "maintain" to clearly convey your intended meaning. For example, use "keep the system updated" or "maintain the system's functionality".

Common error

Don't combine synonyms like "keep maintain". Select the single most appropriate verb (either "keep" or "maintain") to avoid unnecessary repetition and enhance clarity in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep maintain" functions as a verb phrase, though its use is generally considered redundant. The intended function is to express the idea of continuing or preserving something, but the combination of the two verbs doesn't follow standard grammatical conventions, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep maintain" is generally considered grammatically incorrect due to its redundant nature. Both "keep" and "maintain" convey similar meanings, making their combination unnecessary and awkward. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is not correct in standard written English. While some instances appear across various sources like The New York Times, The Guardian and BBC, it's best to avoid this phrasing in favor of more concise and grammatically sound alternatives such as "continue to maintain", "sustain", or simply "maintain". Using these alternatives will improve clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue to maintain

Emphasizes continuation of an existing maintenance process.

sustain

Focuses on the ability to support or uphold something over time.

preserve

Highlights the act of keeping something in its original condition.

uphold

Suggests maintaining a standard or principle.

conserve

Implies careful preservation and avoidance of waste.

retain

Focuses on keeping possession of something.

hold

A general term for keeping something in a particular state.

look after

Implies caring for and maintaining something's condition.

take care of

Similar to "look after", but with a slightly broader scope.

ensure the upkeep of

Focuses on guaranteeing the continuation of maintenance.

FAQs

What is wrong with using the phrase "keep maintain"?

The phrase "keep maintain" is redundant because "keep" and "maintain" have similar meanings. Using both together doesn't add value and can make your writing sound awkward.

What can I say instead of "keep maintain"?

Instead of "keep maintain", you can use alternatives such as "continue to maintain", "sustain", or simply "maintain" depending on the context.

How can I avoid using redundant phrases like "keep maintain"?

To avoid redundancy, carefully consider the meaning of each word you use. If two words have similar meanings and using both doesn't add additional information or emphasis, choose the stronger or more concise option.

Is it ever correct to use the phrase "keep maintain"?

While you might find instances of "keep maintain" in informal writing or speech, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect in formal writing. Strive for clarity and conciseness by using just one of the verbs.