keep on the right

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep on the right" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when giving directions or advice about staying on the correct side of a path, road, or any designated area. Example: "When driving in the UK, remember to keep on the right to avoid accidents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

"I think he'll definitely keep on the right side of the line, he won't be upsetting people or saying things that are personal".

The Guardian

I've just got to keep on the right side of it".

The New York Times - Sports

"We are not sentimental; we just try and keep on the right path.

The Guardian - Sport

It went to war to keep on the right side of Washington.

The Guardian

The rich therefore become easy targets if they fail to keep on the right side of officialdom.

The Economist

"By praising his poetry," Lewis noted, "it was easy to keep on the right side of him".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Swipe the song that you want to keep on the device from left to right.

WikiHow

Yet throughout, we are kept on the right side of empathy.

The Guardian - Music

I wondered if George had some felonious dark secret, but though he was rebellious at heart, he seemed to have kept on the right side of the law.

The New York Times

A former Catholic altar boy of Puerto-Rican descent, Ruiz was kept on the right side of the tracks during an impoverished childhood by his ferocious mum Gladys.

Independent

Like his better-known associate Roman Abramovich, Mr Deripaska was close to Boris Yeltsin, has kept on the right side of Vladimir Putin and wants to be liked.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving directions, use "keep on the right" to clearly indicate the correct path, especially when there are multiple options.

Common error

Avoid using "keep on the right" in overly abstract or figurative contexts where the literal sense of physical direction is lost. Opt for phrases like "stay on track" or "maintain ethical standards" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep on the right" primarily functions as a directive or an idiom. It advises or instructs someone to maintain a specific direction or behavior. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep on the right" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression in English. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. It serves primarily as a directive, guiding either physical direction or adherence to rules and ethical standards. While versatile, it's important to consider the context to avoid misuse, particularly in overly abstract situations. Key sources like The Guardian, The New York Times, and The Economist demonstrate its prevalence in news and media, reinforcing its status as a common and accepted phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay on the correct path

Emphasizes adherence to a morally or ethically sound course of action.

remain on the proper course

Highlights maintaining a planned or expected trajectory, often in a formal setting.

stick to the guidelines

Focuses on compliance with established rules or instructions.

observe the regulations

Similar to 'follow the rules', but more formal and official.

follow the rules

A more direct and general way of expressing adherence to regulations.

maintain ethical standards

Highlights upholding moral principles, often in a professional context.

abide by the law

Specifically refers to obeying legal requirements.

steer clear of trouble

Implies avoiding situations or actions that could lead to problems.

keep out of harm's way

Focuses on protecting oneself from danger or negative consequences.

toe the line

Suggests conforming to expectations, often under pressure or strict authority.

FAQs

How can I use "keep on the right" in a sentence?

You can use "keep on the right" when giving directions, such as "Keep on the right side of the road when driving in the UK". It can also be used figuratively, like "keep on the right side of the law".

What does it mean to "keep on the right" side of someone?

To "keep on the right" side of someone means to stay in their favor or avoid displeasing them. For example, "It was prudent to keep on the right side of Mary".

What's the difference between "keep on the right" and "stay on the right track"?

"Keep on the right" often implies a physical direction or adhering to rules, while "stay on the right track" suggests maintaining progress towards a goal or objective.

Which is correct, "keep on the right" or "stay to the right"?

Both phrases are correct, but they might be used in slightly different contexts. "Keep on the right" can be more general, while "stay to the right" typically refers to maintaining a position to the right side of a path or road.