keep status quo

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep status quo" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you wish to refer to maintaining the current situation or conditions. For example, "The board of directors decided to keep status quo instead of making any major changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Although the reformist President Hamid Karzai is trying to open up the country, strong religious forces are fighting to keep status quo or even call for a return to Taliban rule.

Huffington Post

I would say that Pulse, and other Queer spaces, have been church--have been the Kingdom of God--the new radical and wonderful thing that has been born even while the Empire Church (represented through old, dead, denominations like my own) has tried, viciously sometimes, apathetically other times, to keep status quo.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

No, they want to keep the status quo, keep the right to earn what a free market allows.

The New York Times - Sports

These programs are basically a bribe to keep the status quo, to keep welfare statist politicians in power and make sure that the ruling class maintains its' position.

University of California, Berkeley

Those mandated to protect us, the structures meant to honor and lift, I began to see, were fighting instead to keep silence, to keep the status quo, and to protect the institutions themselves.

The New Yorker

"There are a lot of lobbies in the utility industry that like to keep the status quo so that they can keep making profits," Mr. Richardson said on CNN.

The New York Times

"A vote against isn't just a vote against 12-12, it's a vote to keep the status quo, and the boot will be kept on the neck of Scottish football.

BBC

The former now keeps the chairman and chief executive roles separate; the latter reached a pact with shareholders earlier this year to keep the status quo.

The New York Times

We expect our employees and their union representatives to continue their aggressive campaign to convince you to keep the status quo.

Los Angeles Times

Rent seekers fight to keep the status quo.

University of California, Berkeley

"What you're supposed to do is keep everything status quo".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep status quo" when you want to emphasize the act of maintaining the current conditions, especially in situations where change is possible or being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "keep status quo" when advocating for progress or improvement. The phrase inherently suggests resisting change, which may not align with your intended message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep status quo" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action to maintain the present condition. As Ludwig AI states, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep status quo" is a commonly used expression that signifies maintaining the current state of affairs. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It's frequently found in news, academic, and formal business contexts, indicating a neutral register. While "keep status quo" is a useful phrase, it's important to understand its implications, particularly when advocating for change. Related phrases like "maintain the current situation" and "preserve the existing order" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain the current situation

Focuses on the act of maintaining a specific situation, broadening from general conditions.

preserve the existing order

Emphasizes preserving a structured arrangement or system.

sustain present conditions

Highlights the effort to keep conditions at their current level.

uphold the established norms

Stresses adherence to accepted standards and practices.

retain the prevailing state

Focuses on retaining the dominant or widespread condition.

continue as is

A simpler, more direct way to express maintaining the present condition.

leave things as they are

Highlights a decision to not interfere or change the current state.

stick with the current arrangement

Implies a deliberate choice to continue with an existing plan or agreement.

avoid change

A general statement about preventing alterations.

resist innovation

Specifically refers to opposing new ideas or methods.

FAQs

What does "keep status quo" mean?

The phrase "keep status quo" means to maintain the existing state of affairs or current conditions without making any changes.

How to use "keep status quo" in a sentence?

You can use "keep status quo" in a sentence to express a desire or decision to maintain things as they currently are. For example, "The company decided to "maintain the current situation" and not implement the proposed changes."

Which is correct, "keep status quo" or "maintain status quo"?

Both "keep status quo" and "maintain status quo" are correct and commonly used. They have essentially the same meaning, though "maintain" might sound slightly more formal.

What are some alternatives to "keep status quo"?

Some alternatives to "keep status quo" include "preserve the existing order", "sustain present conditions", and "continue as is". The best choice depends on the specific context.