keep pace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep pace" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to suggest that someone maintains the same rate of progress as someone or something else. For example, you could say, "We need to keep pace with the other teams in the race if we want to have a chance at winning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His keeping just needs to keep pace.

The Guardian - Sport

Can Florida State keep pace?

The New York Times

Williams tried to keep pace.

The New Yorker

Will the financing keep pace?

The New York Times - Arts

"You've got to keep pace".

The New York Times - Style

Public housing can't keep pace.

The Guardian

We have the talent to keep pace".

The New York Times - Sports

And we needed to keep pace".

The New York Times - Sports

The Celtics simply could not keep pace.

The New York Times

Men were almost running to keep pace.

The New York Times

Clemson's just trying to keep pace.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep pace", ensure the subject you're describing is actively trying to maintain a similar level or rate of progress as something else. For example, "Technology companies must innovate to keep pace with market demands."

Common error

Avoid using "keep pace" to describe something that passively exists at a certain level. It implies active effort to maintain a standard. Instead of saying "The outdated system keeps pace", which suggests it's managing to stay current, clarify by saying "The outdated system struggles to keep pace with the new technology".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep pace" functions as a verb phrase, often used intransitively, meaning it doesn't require a direct object. It describes the action of maintaining a similar rate or level of progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is common and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

28%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep pace" is a versatile verb phrase signifying the act of maintaining a similar rate of progress or standard. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse fields. It's vital to employ "keep pace" when describing an active effort to stay current or competitive, rather than a passive state. Remember, various alternatives like ""keep up with"" or ""stay abreast of"" can add nuance to your writing. Steer clear of using "keep pace" to describe something that passively exists at a certain level.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep up with

A more general alternative, implying effort to stay at the same level or standard.

keep in step

Similar to "keep pace" but with a connotation of coordinated movement or action.

stay abreast

Emphasizes keeping up with the latest information or developments.

maintain parity

Focuses on achieving equality or equivalence, not just keeping up.

stay current

Focuses on maintaining up-to-date knowledge or practices.

move in lockstep

Suggests a synchronized movement or progression, often in a formal setting.

remain competitive

Highlights the need to maintain a leading position compared to others.

progress simultaneously

Highlights the coordinated nature of advancement.

follow suit

Indicates imitating or acting in accordance with another's actions.

hold one's own

Implies managing to survive or succeed in a challenging environment.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep pace" to describe efforts to maintain a similar rate of progress, for example: "Our company needs to "keep pace with" technological advancements to stay competitive".

What is a good alternative for the phrase "keep pace"?

Alternatives include "keep up with", "stay abreast of", or "maintain parity" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say 'keeping pace' or should I always use 'keep pace'?

Both "keep pace" and "keeping pace" are correct, but they are used in different grammatical contexts. "Keep pace" is the base form, while "keeping pace" is the gerund or present participle form. For example, "Keeping pace with inflation is essential for financial stability".

What's the difference between "keep pace with" and "keep up with"?

"Keep pace with" and ""keep up with"" are largely synonymous, both indicating an effort to stay at the same level or rate as something else. However, "keep pace with" might subtly suggest a more formal or strategic effort.