keep on board

USAGE SUMMARY

'keep on board' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to mean to keep someone or something safe, or to keep up to date with something. For example: "We need to keep on board with the latest technological trends".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"But it's the voters in your city that you need to keep on board if you want your agenda to go forward".

The New York Times

Johnson is also expected to keep on board his deputy mayor for transport, Isabel Dedring, which would bring the tally of deputy mayors to seven.

The Guardian

But the desperate need to keep on board Tory Brexiteers, Mr Gove included, is a serious constraint on the government just now.

The Guardian - Opinion

They will want to keep on board, and elicit vocal support from, their party colleagues, both within the political institution or outside.

Nature

The BBC must now find a new presenter to keep the show on the road and keep on board co-presenters Richard Hammond and James May, whose contracts run down next week.

Independent

She will also have to try and keep on board the talented Mr Levinsohn, who has now been passed over a couple of times for the top slot at Yahoo!

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"That is not unusual," Mr. Gaccione said, showing Mr. Cambe the stash of doggy snacks always kept on board.

The New York Times

"They give a detailed account of the lifeboat drills, tests and an inventory of the distress signals and equipment kept on-board which bizarrely included only six life buoys - a staggering statistic considering Titanic could accommodate over 3,000 souls.

Independent

By-catch can still hold economic value and may be kept on board to sell as a by-product.

The Guardian

Months in advance, we had been sup plied with a detailed cruising guidebook, which we kept on board for constant reference.

The New York Times

There is an upcoming high court challenge to the interception and detention of 157 asylum seekers who were kept on board the Ocean Protector for over a month.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In contexts where you mean to keep up to date with something, phrase it as "keep on board with the latest developments".

Common error

Avoid using "keep on board" in highly casual or personal settings. While the phrase is widely understood, it carries a slightly formal or business-oriented connotation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "include" or "stay in touch" for informal communication.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "keep on board" is a phrasal verb. It functions to describe the action of maintaining someone's involvement, support, or physical presence. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is used correctly in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep on board" is a phrasal verb that means to maintain someone's involvement, support, or physical presence. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English. Its usage spans from formal business settings to news reports, reflecting a neutral to professional tone. While versatile, it's advisable to use more casual alternatives in informal settings. Remember to consider the specific context and intended meaning when choosing between "keep on board" and its related phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep involved

Simple rephrasing focusing on maintaining someone's active role.

continue to include

Highlights ensuring someone is still part of a group or activity.

maintain involvement

Highlights the active participation and engagement of individuals.

preserve their participation

Focuses on ensuring continued involvement, particularly in collaborative efforts.

retain

Emphasizes maintaining possession or control, often in a formal context.

ensure continued support

Focuses on maintaining backing or assistance from someone.

secure their commitment

Highlights ensuring continued dedication and support.

hold onto

Suggests a stronger effort to prevent loss or departure.

avoid losing

Highlights the prevention of losing someone's support or involvement.

maintain contact with

Focuses on continued communication and connection.

FAQs

How can I use "keep on board" in a sentence?

You can use "keep on board" to describe retaining someone's support or involvement, like "The company needs to "keep clients on board"". It can also refer to items carried on a vehicle or vessel.

What's a more formal synonym for "keep on board"?

More formal synonyms include "retain", "maintain involvement", or "ensure continued support". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "keep on board" when talking about physical items?

Yes, "keep on board" can refer to items physically kept on a ship, plane, or other vehicle. For example, "It's wise to "keep a first aid kit on board"".

How is "keep on board" different from "on board"?

"Keep on board" is a verb phrase indicating an action of retaining someone or something. "On board" is an adjective phrase or adverb indicating presence or agreement, as in "all passengers are "on board"" or "the team is "on board" with the project".