keep pace closely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep pace closely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the need to maintain a similar speed or level of progress as someone or something else. Example: "In order to succeed in this fast-paced industry, we must keep pace closely with our competitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

He called for: the minimum wage to keep pace more closely with earnings.

BBC

His keeping just needs to keep pace.

The Guardian - Sport

In November Britain's police regulator criticised the English and Welsh forces for failing to keep pace with changing criminality, in particular cybercrime.As a result, police are working more closely with private companies than they might on other crimes.

The Economist

It has been speculated that these families of closely related non-rearranging immunoreceptors have evolved to include large numbers of duplicated genes to keep pace with rapidly changing ligands.

BMC Genomics

Can Florida State keep pace?

The New York Times

Williams tried to keep pace.

The New Yorker

Clemson's just trying to keep pace.

The New York Times

Federal regulators are struggling to keep pace.

The New York Times

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep pace closely", ensure the context requires emphasizing both maintaining speed and a high degree of accuracy or synchronization. Otherwise, consider using just "keep pace".

Common error

Avoid using "keep pace closely" when "keep pace" alone sufficiently conveys the intended meaning. The addition of "closely" can sometimes sound redundant or awkward.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep pace closely" functions as a verb phrase with an adverb, indicating an action of maintaining a certain speed or level in a meticulous manner. Ludwig suggests the phrase is grammatically correct but it's usage might be somehow unusual.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while "keep pace closely" is grammatically correct, it's a relatively uncommon phrase that means maintaining a similar speed or progress with a high degree of precision. Ludwig's AI flags the phrase as correct but its usage as unusual. Alternatives like "keep pace", "keep up", or "stay synchronized" are often more suitable depending on the context. When using "keep pace closely", ensure the context benefits from emphasizing meticulousness, as overuse can lead to redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Retain pace

Focuses on retaining or holding onto an existing speed or level of progress.

Keep up

A simpler, more general term for maintaining the same speed or level.

Keep in step

Suggests following closely and not falling behind, often used in a figurative sense.

Maintain a similar rhythm

Focuses on maintaining a similar rhythm or beat, implying a more regular or consistent pace.

Stay synchronized

Emphasizes being coordinated or aligned in time or movement.

Follow closely

Stresses closely monitoring and imitating or adhering to something.

Align closely

Focuses on achieving a close alignment or correspondence.

Maintain parity

Highlights maintaining equality or equivalence.

Move in lockstep

Implies a very strict and coordinated movement or progress.

Keep abreast

Implies staying informed and up-to-date with the latest developments.

FAQs

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

While grammatically correct, "keep pace closely" is less common. You might say, "In a rapidly evolving field, it's important to "keep pace" with the latest developments." Adding "closely" emphasizes precision in maintaining that pace.

What are some alternatives to "keep pace closely"?

Alternatives include "keep up", "stay synchronized", or "move in lockstep", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "keep pace closely" instead of just "keep pace"?

Use "keep pace closely" when you want to emphasize the need for a very precise or coordinated synchronization, not just a general matching of speed or progress.

Is "keep pace closely" considered formal or informal language?

The phrase tends to be neutral, but due to its relative uncommonness, it might be perceived as slightly more formal than the simpler "keep pace".