keep safe

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep safe" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express the wish for someone to stay safe and protected from harm or danger. For example, you could write "Stay safe, everyone!" as a sign-off at the end of an email.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Keep safe and informed.

The New York Times

Please keep safe".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Keep safe people and be vigilant".

Independent

He taught me how to keep safe in the neighborhood.

The New York Times

Reporters and photographers had been given instructions to keep safe.

The Guardian

But, we have a country to keep safe.

The Washington Post

To identify strategies adolescents use to cope with and keep safe from perinatal violence.

Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing

He said it was the only way for him and others to keep safe.

The New York Times

Keep safe as we have a new washing machine that needs plumbing in!

The Guardian

We already educate children to keep safe from drugs and unacceptable attentions to their persons.

The New York Times - Tech

Exactly how much freedom must we give up to keep safe?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep safe" as a warm sign-off in casual correspondence. It's a friendly way to express care and concern for the recipient's well-being.

Common error

While "keep safe" is perfectly acceptable in informal settings, it might sound too casual or informal in formal or professional communications. Opt for phrases like "please ensure your safety" or "we wish you well" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep safe" primarily functions as an imperative expression of goodwill. It's a way to convey concern for someone's well-being and express the hope that they remain free from harm. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is usable and correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

20%

Huffington Post

18%

Less common in

Science

12%

The New York Times

7%

The Guardian

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep safe" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing goodwill and concern for someone's safety. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression. While versatile, it's most suited for informal or neutral contexts. Its ubiquity across various sources like Huffington Post, WikiHow, and news outlets underscores its common usage. When writing, remember that while "keep safe" is fine in many situations, more formal language might be required in certain professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay safe

A very common and almost interchangeable alternative, focusing on the state of being safe.

be safe

Similar to "stay safe" but emphasizes a proactive choice to avoid danger.

be careful

A direct instruction to exercise caution.

take care

A more general expression of goodwill, which can include safety but also general well-being.

stay out of trouble

Focuses specifically on avoiding problematic situations that could lead to harm.

have a safe journey

Specifically addresses safety during travel.

look after yourself

Emphasizes personal responsibility for one's own safety and well-being.

may you be safe

A more emphatic and formal way of expressing the wish for someone's safety.

godspeed

An older, more formal way of wishing someone well on a journey, implying safety.

farewell

A formal way to say goodbye, implying good wishes for the future and safety.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep safe" as a standalone phrase to wish someone well, such as "Keep safe during your travels". It can also be incorporated into a sentence: "We urge everyone to "keep safe" during the storm".

What's the difference between "keep safe" and "stay safe"?

While both phrases express a wish for someone's well-being, "stay safe" emphasizes maintaining a state of safety, while "keep safe" is a more general expression of wishing someone protection from harm. They are often interchangeable, but "stay safe" might be more appropriate when addressing ongoing risks.

What can I say instead of "keep safe"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "take care", "be careful", or "stay out of trouble". The best choice depends on the specific situation and the level of formality.

Is "keep safe" grammatically correct?

Yes, "keep safe" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express the desire for someone to remain free from danger. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a usable phrase in written English.