keep morale high

USAGE SUMMARY

'keep morale high' is a correctly written phrase in English and can be used in formal or informal writing.
For example: "We must strive to keep morale high in order to be successful in our mission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

To keep morale high, there are visits by celebrities and cable television in the mess hall.

The New York Times

But however one tries to keep morale high, it is hard to deny that something is awry in Westbury.

Independent

The performance was so good that the North Koreans "recruited" the performers to travel around and keep morale high.

The New York Times

We're a couple of years in business — self financed (not by choice) with relative successes to keep morale high and wages okay.

The New York Times

And I'm looking for somebody who will do a couple of things: one, enforce the law; two, keep morale high at the agency.

The New York Times

"If you spend five days playing a Test match and so much time together off the field, it's important to keep morale high".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

"Hot food is very restorative, and it keeps morale high," he added.

The New York Times

He said he kept morale high by not questioning the company's investment in research, even as company divisions were sold off.

The New York Times

Their wise-cracking kept morale high as Everton remained one of the leading teams in the 1960s, finishing outside the top six only once.

The Guardian - Sport

But none of his serious contenders were from Barnsley either and his energy, enthusing activists by naming his campaign Operation Honey Badger after the 'ferocious and fearless animal' – kept morale high.

The Guardian

The feedback and support we got kept morale high.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In situations where morale is already low, combine "keep morale high" with specific strategies to address underlying issues, not just surface-level encouragement.

Common error

Don't just try to "keep morale high" with superficial gestures if there are deeper issues like unfair treatment, lack of recognition, or poor communication. Address the problems directly for lasting improvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep morale high" functions primarily as a directive or objective. It describes the act of maintaining a positive and enthusiastic state of mind within a group or individual. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

16%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep morale high" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for describing efforts to maintain a positive mindset, particularly in group settings. According to Ludwig, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and serves as a directive for preserving enthusiasm and motivation. The phrase appears frequently in news media, scientific, and business contexts, indicating its broad applicability. While versatile, it's important to address the root causes of low morale rather than relying solely on superficial encouragement. Considering alternatives like "boost team spirit" or "foster enthusiasm" can provide nuance depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

boost team spirit

Replaces "morale" with "team spirit", emphasizing collective enthusiasm.

cultivate a motivated workforce

Highlights the active nurturing of a motivated group.

sustain team motivation

Emphasizes the continuous effort to keep the team motivated.

foster enthusiasm

Highlights the act of cultivating enthusiasm.

preserve a positive attitude

Emphasizes the act of maintaining an already positive outlook.

uplift spirits

A more emotional and immediate approach to improving morale.

build team confidence

Targets the collective belief in their abilities.

maintain a positive atmosphere

Focuses on the environment rather than morale specifically.

encourage optimism

Focuses on creating a hopeful outlook.

promote a sense of well-being

Shifts the focus to the overall well-being of individuals.

FAQs

How can I use "keep morale high" in a sentence?

You can use "keep morale high" to describe actions taken to maintain a positive attitude within a group, such as, "The manager organized team-building activities to keep morale high during the stressful project."

What are some alternatives to "keep morale high"?

You can use alternatives like "boost team spirit", "maintain a positive atmosphere", or "foster enthusiasm" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "keep morale high" and "improve morale"?

"Keep morale high" suggests maintaining an already positive level, while "improve morale" implies raising morale from a lower state. For example, "Regular recognition helped keep morale high" versus "Addressing the workload issues helped improve morale".

Is it always necessary to "keep morale high"?

While maintaining positive morale is generally beneficial, forcing it in inappropriate situations can be counterproductive. Authenticity is crucial; address underlying concerns honestly before attempting to "uplift spirits".