keep pace with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'keep pace with' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that you are moving or doing something at the same speed or rate as someone or something else. For example: "Even though their pace was fast, I managed to keep pace with them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The law cannot keep pace with technology.

The Guardian - Opinion

I rushed to keep pace with her.

The New Yorker

Such changes will barely keep pace with projected longevity gains.

The Economist

Regulators have struggled to keep pace with the explosion.

Independent

Murray was unable to keep pace with the Bruins.

The New York Times - Sports

Fund-raising could not keep pace with the losses.

The New York Times - Arts

We cannot keep pace with the rising crime".

The New York Times

Her peers could not keep pace with her.

The New York Times - Sports

Conservation must keep pace with the rate of development".

The New York Times

No wonder we couldn't keep pace with him.

The New Yorker

Insurers are struggling to keep pace with increasing costs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about industries or technologies, use "keep pace with" to emphasize the need for continuous adaptation and learning to stay relevant and competitive.

Common error

Avoid using "keep pace with" when you actually mean to convey leadership or innovation. "Keep pace with" implies following, while "set the pace" suggests leading or initiating change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep pace with" functions primarily as a phrasal verb that requires an object. It indicates the act of maintaining the same rate of progress or movement as something else. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep pace with" is a versatile phrasal verb that signifies the act of maintaining equal progress or speed with something else. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used across a wide range of contexts, particularly in science and news media. To enhance your writing, remember that "keep pace with" implies following rather than leading and that alternatives such as "stay abreast of" or "maintain parity with" can offer more nuanced meanings. The phrase's widespread usage and clear meaning make it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep up with

A more general and commonly used synonym, suggesting the ability to follow or match someone or something's progress.

progress at the same rate as

Specifies the speed of advancement in relation to another entity.

maintain parity with

Focuses on maintaining equality or equivalence in progress or level.

remain on par with

Suggests maintaining a comparable level or standard.

stay abreast of

Implies staying informed about the latest developments to avoid falling behind.

stay in line with

Emphasizes adherence to rules, guidelines, or expectations.

move in lockstep with

Emphasizes moving in perfect synchronization or agreement.

equal the speed of

Directly refers to matching the velocity or quickness of something else.

catch up to

Indicates an effort to reach the same level after being behind.

follow closely

Highlights the action of monitoring and adhering to trends or progress meticulously.

FAQs

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

Use "keep pace with" to indicate that something is moving at the same rate or speed as something else. For example: "Technology companies need to "keep pace with" changing consumer preferences."

What's a formal way to say "keep pace with"?

In formal contexts, you could use phrases like "maintain parity with", "remain on par with", or "stay abreast of" as alternatives to "keep pace with".

What does it mean to "keep pace with" something?

To "keep pace with" something means to move, progress, or develop at the same rate as that thing, ensuring that you don't fall behind or become outdated.

When should I use "keep up with" instead of "keep pace with"?

"Keep up with" and "keep pace with" are often interchangeable, but "keep up with" is more general. "Keep pace with" often implies matching a specific rate or standard, while "keep up with" can simply mean staying informed or not being left behind.