keep strict

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep strict" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to convey the idea of maintaining strictness or discipline, but it is not a commonly used expression. Example: "We need to keep strict standards in our quality control process."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

In the Klondike, as London reimagined it, nature and capitalism keep strict accounts.

The New Yorker

They order postings about central leaders to be deleted, and try to keep strict controls on microblogs.

The Economist

We try to keep strict lines between sports and politics, between sports and war, but the lines blur.

The New York Times - Sports

The ensemble tended to keep strict time, with several phrases that made the swan-maidens of Act II look alternately mechanical or martial.

The New York Times - Arts

The idea that websites can be regulated like broadcasters, which are required to keep strict records of what they show in order to help watchdogs investigate complaints, is untenable.

The Economist

Even so, the first response of the "austerians" to the Italian vote has been to insist that whoever succeeds Mr Monti must keep strict budgetary discipline.Certainly, worries about financial contagion persist.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Mr. McGoohan, famously cerebral and rarely interviewed, kept strict creative control.

The New York Times

Readers seem almost evenly divided on whether they would like to see the rules loosened or kept strict.

The New York Times

And unlike Pakistan, which gave rise to the biggest nuclear proliferation ring in history, it has kept strict control of its nuclear stockpile and its bomb-making technology.

The New York Times

Stephen Joyce has until now kept strict control of his grandfather's estate, going so far as to prevent public readings on Bloomsday in 2004 by threatening the Irish government with a lawsuit.

The Guardian - Books

She keeps strict working hours between 9am-2pm.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for formal tone, replace "keep strict" with alternatives like "maintain strict" or "enforce strict" for better grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid using "keep strict" in formal writing; it's better to opt for grammatically sound alternatives such as "maintain strict" or "adhere to strict".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep strict" functions as a verb phrase followed by an adjective, intended to express the idea of maintaining or enforcing a state of strictness. However, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect, advising the use of alternatives.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "keep strict" is relatively common, Ludwig AI points out that it is grammatically incorrect. It appears in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and wiki content. For improved grammatical correctness and formality, alternatives like "maintain strict", "enforce strict", or "adhere to strict" are recommended. When writing, especially in formal settings, avoid "keep strict" and opt for these more grammatically sound options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain strict

This alternative replaces "keep" with "maintain", which is more grammatically sound and emphasizes continuous upholding.

enforce strict

This alternative emphasizes the active implementation of strict measures or rules.

uphold strict

This alternative suggests a commitment to supporting and defending strict standards or principles.

observe strict

This emphasizes adhering to or following strict guidelines or procedures.

adhere to strict

This alternative highlights compliance with strict regulations or policies.

follow strict

This suggests obedience or adherence to strict rules or protocols.

exercise strict

This alternative denotes the active use of strict control or discipline.

impose strict

This emphasizes the act of setting and applying strict regulations or standards.

administer strict

This highlights managing or overseeing something with strict adherence to rules.

keep to strict

This alternative indicates sticking to or remaining within strict limits or guidelines.

FAQs

What is a better way to say "keep strict"?

Instead of "keep strict", consider using alternatives such as "maintain strict", "enforce strict", or "adhere to strict" depending on the context.

Is "keep strict" grammatically correct?

The phrase "keep strict" is not considered grammatically correct in standard written English. It's preferable to use alternatives like "maintain strict" or "uphold strict".

When should I use "maintain strict" instead of "keep strict"?

Use "maintain strict" when you want to emphasize the continuous upholding of strict standards or procedures, as it's more grammatically correct than "keep strict".

What does "keep strict" mean?

While "keep strict" implies maintaining something in a strict manner, it is grammatically unconventional. It's better to use phrases like "maintain strict" or "enforce strict" to convey the intended meaning more accurately.