keep spending down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep spending down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing budget management or financial strategies aimed at reducing expenses. Example: "To ensure the project's success, we need to keep spending down while maximizing our resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Mr. Gulotta's career was based on holding taxes down, but his undoing was failing to keep spending down accordingly.

The New York Times

In its effort to keep spending down, the administration has repeatedly blocked proposals to enhance security at potential domestic targets like ports and nuclear plants.

The New York Times

Budget puritans rebelled last month not for the devilry of it but because they wanted Mr Hastert to explain what on earth his budget strategy was: how does he plan to keep spending down?

The Economist

They reduced taxes again by passing the Revenue Acts of 1926 and 1928, all the while continuing to keep spending down so as to reduce the overall federal debt.

Wikipedia

But in each case, strong forces are working to keep spending down.

The New York Times

The remark contrasted with Gov. Rick Perry's speech that day, which focused heavily on the need to keep spending down.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

It also needs consumers to keep spending.

The Economist

"But we fought to keep government spending down because it really will in fact help create a better environment for job creators in our country".

The New York Times

And on Friday, after the last-minute budget deal, Speaker John A. Boehner said Republicans fought "to keep government spending down because it really will in fact help create a better environment for job creators in our country".

The New York Times

Army staff will be looking to keep defence spending down for governments engaged in austerity cuts, and this Haitian venture is just that: a way for the military to engage in a low-cost, positive-press foreign intervention where lots of pictures can be taken of soldiers giving clean water to locals.

Vice

The countries themselves have more resources, and the governments, by and large, have kept spending in check and inflation down; the problematic foreign debts are those of banks and industrial companies, not of governments.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about financial strategies, use "keep spending down" to emphasize the ongoing effort to control costs, especially when discussing budget management or personal finance.

Common error

While acceptable in many situations, avoid using "keep spending down" in very formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more professional terms like "reduce expenditures" or "control expenses" for enhanced clarity and gravitas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep spending down" functions as a directive or recommendation. It's often used to advise or instruct someone to control their expenses. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep spending down" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that advises or directs individuals or organizations to control their expenses. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is acceptable in many contexts, especially in news and media, but might require more formal alternatives like "control expenditure" or "reduce outlays" in professional settings. The phrase emphasizes an ongoing effort to maintain low costs, distinguishing it from a one-time reduction in spending. Guidance includes using the phrase to emphasize ongoing cost control, while avoiding it in very formal reports where more professional terms would enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

control expenditure

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes managing and limiting expenses.

reduce outlays

This focuses on decreasing the amount of money spent, often in a business or financial context.

curtail expenses

This suggests a sharp reduction in spending, often due to necessity.

limit expenditures

This phrase highlights setting a maximum amount that can be spent.

economize on costs

This implies finding ways to be more efficient with money and resources.

maintain fiscal prudence

This phrase indicates acting with care and responsibility when managing finances.

hold the line on spending

This suggests preventing spending from increasing, maintaining the current level.

restrain spending

This implies a deliberate effort to prevent oneself or others from spending too much.

practice thrift

This emphasizes saving money and avoiding unnecessary expenses.

be cost-conscious

This highlights being aware of the cost of things and making economical choices.

FAQs

How can I use "keep spending down" in a sentence?

You can use "keep spending down" when discussing strategies for budget management, like: "To ensure project success, we must "keep spending down" while maximizing resources."

What are some alternatives to "keep spending down"?

Alternatives include "reduce outlays", "control expenditure", or "curtail expenses" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "keep spending down"?

Yes, "keep spending down" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its acceptability.

How does "keep spending down" differ from "reduce spending"?

"Keep spending down" implies a continuous effort to maintain low spending, whereas "reduce spending" suggests a one-time action to decrease current expenditure. The former is about maintenance; the latter about an action.