keep matters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep matters" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to maintaining or managing certain issues or situations. Example: "We need to keep matters under control to ensure a smooth operation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Even here, Mr. Dresser opts to keep matters light.

The New York Times

To keep matters simple, we have ignored these interactions.

The Economist

Only reducing carbon emissions can keep matters from becoming worse.

The New York Times

After a routine condemnation of phone hacking, he urged the inquiry to keep matters in proportion.

The Guardian

Congress backed down, establishing a precedent suggesting that former presidents wield lingering powers to keep matters from their administration secret.

The New York Times

And as they toured the television studios in his defence they were doing much to keep matters in perspective.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

"The key point is that it matters more now whether people hate us, and will keep mattering more, for technological reasons.

The New York Times

The editors have kept matters sophisticated but simple.

The New York Times

So far, the two sides have kept matters cordial, exchanging e-mails and phone calls.

The New York Times

The MetroStars kept matters in the family and local with two other picks.

The New York Times - Sports

But she needs him too, as an impresario who keeps matters moving forward, an advocate who can negotiate the details of their windfall.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep matters", ensure that the context clearly indicates what specific "matters" are being maintained or managed. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "keep matters" in contexts where the specific issues or situations are not clearly defined. This can lead to vagueness and confusion. Always specify what "matters" you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep matters" typically functions as a verb phrase, where "keep" is the main verb and "matters" serves as the direct object. Ludwig AI validates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

32%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep matters" is a versatile expression used to describe the act of maintaining a certain state or condition, often related to control, simplicity, or confidentiality. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to use the phrase with clear context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "maintain issues" or "handle situations" can provide similar meanings depending on the specific context. Always ensure that the "matters" being kept are well-defined for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain issues

Focuses on the act of maintaining control or management of issues.

handle situations

Emphasizes the action of dealing with specific situations.

manage affairs

Suggests a broader scope of managing general affairs or business.

preserve subjects

Highlights the act of preserving or maintaining subjects of discussion or concern.

uphold aspects

Focuses on upholding or maintaining particular aspects or elements.

retain items

Emphasizes the retention of specific items or elements.

keep subjects current

Focuses on keeping subjects updated and relevant.

maintain order

Emphasizes maintaining a state of order or control.

sustain topics

Suggests the act of sustaining or maintaining topics of discussion.

oversee procedures

Suggests the supervision and management of procedures.

FAQs

How can I use "keep matters" in a sentence?

You can use "keep matters" to discuss maintaining control, confidentiality, or simplicity in various situations. For example, "To "keep matters simple", we've ignored these interactions."

What are some alternatives to "keep matters"?

Alternatives include "manage affairs", "handle situations", or "maintain issues", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "keep matters confidential" or "maintain confidentiality"?

"Keep matters confidential" emphasizes the action of actively keeping something secret, while "maintain confidentiality" focuses on the state of secrecy itself. The better choice depends on the desired emphasis.

What's the difference between "keep matters simple" and "simplify things"?

"Keep matters simple" implies a conscious effort to avoid unnecessary complexity, while "simplify things" suggests reducing existing complexity. The former is preventive, the latter is corrective.