keep spirits high

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep spirits high" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in contexts where you want to encourage positivity or maintain morale, especially during challenging times. Example: "Even though the project is behind schedule, we need to keep spirits high among the team to ensure everyone stays motivated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Look to the star, keep spirits high.

The New Yorker

A gay choreographer (Will Young) helps keep spirits high.

The Guardian - Film

Still, there's nothing like a few flotations to keep spirits high, eh?

The Guardian - Business

He knows there is a long tour ahead in India and that he needs to keep spirits high.

The Guardian - Sport

WITH hurricane season threatening the final days of summer, a buoyant raincoat in an eye-popping color could help to keep spirits high.

The New York Times

We asked each other what we imagined Australia would be like, to keep spirits high as we drifted aimlessly in the ocean.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

A diverse crowd of several thousand kept spirits high throughout Sunday's rally, often taking the entertainment into their own hands, with impromptu speeches from people hauling themselves up onto statues.

Vice

While it's healthy to mourn the loss of someone, you need to make sure you keep your spirits high and keep yourself in good company.

WikiHow

Must keep spirits up.

The New Yorker

Mr. Abulaban said the relationship he has developed with Mr. Asnin has helped him keep his spirits high.

The New York Times

I hope I can bend the rules and have two, Rose Tremain and Richard Holmes – one a novelist, the other a biographer, both dear friends who keep my spirits high.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When facing challenging circumstances, use "keep spirits high" to encourage resilience and a positive mindset within a group or team. It's particularly effective in motivating people during prolonged efforts or difficult times.

Common error

Avoid using "keep spirits high" in overly formal or somber situations where a more serious or respectful tone is required. In such cases, consider focusing on empathy and support rather than forced positivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep spirits high" functions as an idiomatic expression used to encourage and maintain a positive attitude, particularly during challenging or difficult times. This aligns with Ludwig's findings that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep spirits high" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to encourage and maintain positivity, particularly during challenging times. As Ludwig highlights, it's widely found in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for many contexts. While alternatives like "maintain morale" or "boost morale" may be more appropriate for formal settings, "keep spirits high" serves as a versatile way to foster optimism and resilience. Usage analysis from Ludwig confirms its prevalence and offers practical guidance for its effective application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain morale

Focuses on preserving existing good spirits rather than necessarily elevating them.

boost morale

Implies actively improving or increasing the level of positivity.

lift spirits

Suggests raising someone's mood from a lower state.

elevate mood

A more formal way to express raising someone's emotional state.

foster optimism

Emphasizes creating an environment that encourages a positive outlook.

encourage positivity

Highlights the act of promoting positive attitudes and thoughts.

sustain enthusiasm

Focuses on maintaining a high level of excitement and eagerness.

promote good cheer

Suggests spreading happiness and a joyful atmosphere.

bolster confidence

Aims to strengthen belief in one's abilities and positive outcomes.

inspire hope

Focuses on instilling a sense of optimism and expectation for the future.

FAQs

How can I use "keep spirits high" in a sentence?

You can use "keep spirits high" to encourage positivity or maintain morale, especially during difficult times. For example, "Even though the project is behind schedule, we need to "keep spirits high" among the team to ensure everyone stays motivated."

What are some alternatives to "keep spirits high"?

You can use alternatives like "maintain morale", "boost morale", or "lift spirits" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "keep spirits high" in a formal setting?

While "keep spirits high" is generally acceptable, in extremely formal settings, consider alternatives such as "maintain morale" or "foster optimism" to convey a more professional tone.

What does it mean to "keep spirits high"?

To "keep spirits high" means to maintain a positive attitude and good morale, especially when facing difficulties or challenges. It involves encouraging optimism and preventing discouragement.