keep the controls

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep the controls" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is instructed to maintain or manage certain controls, such as in a vehicle, a machine, or a situation. Example: "During the flight, the co-pilot was instructed to keep the controls steady while the captain handled the navigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Instead of integrating the then-new features of the PlayStation 4's DualShock 4 controller, the team sought to keep the controls simple to keep focus on the "elegance" of the Long Mover.

Wikipedia

The focus on fighting is realistic and helps keep the controls blissfully simple.

The New York Times - Tech

The phone also suffers by offering lots of features while trying to keep the controls simple.

The New York Times

Several of the game's design choices were meant to focus more on the action components, such as attacks sending enemies flying across the screen and the use of both the buttons and stylus to keep the controls simple and directly connected to the action.

Wikipedia

The LMM enabled us to keep the controls of those 5 adolescents who reduced their weight to normal during the screening and the second measurement (baseline), and, because of this, were excluded, in the study population.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

In my testing, the heat required constant adjusting to keep the control modulated.

The New York Times - Food

"To keep the control from earth you must be in connection with the elements like the wind and the sun".

The New York Times

Hence, a zero-order holder (ZOH) is equipped in the system in order to keep the control signal continuous.

Advances in Difference Equations

Also, it was harder to keep the control cells from overgrowing for times greater than 72 h.

Nanoscale Research Letters

It has two characteristics: the operator keeps the control initiative, and it does not disturb the operator learning the motion.

ROBOMECH Journal

"To keep the crowd controlled".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep the controls" in technical writing, ensure the context clearly defines what "controls" refers to. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the system or process being controlled.

Common error

Avoid using "keep the controls" when a more specific verb or noun would provide clarity. For example, instead of "keep the controls", use "maintain stability" or "regulate the temperature" for greater precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep the controls" functions primarily as a directive or descriptive phrase, indicating the act of maintaining command or regulation. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is usable in contexts requiring maintenance or management of certain controls.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep the controls" is a grammatically sound phrase used to convey the act of maintaining command or regulation over something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, including technical, management, and general instructions. Although it's a relatively rare expression, its meaning is clear and its usage is grammatically correct. Alternatives include "maintain control" or "retain authority" depending on the intended nuance. When employing this phrase, clarity is key to avoiding ambiguity, ensuring that the context clearly defines what "controls" refers to.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain control

Replaces "keep" with "maintain", emphasizing the act of sustaining control.

retain authority

Focuses on preserving power or command.

hold sway

Emphasizes influence and dominance.

preserve dominance

Highlights the act of protecting a leading position.

exercise command

Focuses on actively using authority.

ensure regulation

Highlights maintaining standards or rules.

sustain management

Emphasizes the continuity of managing something.

uphold governance

Focuses on maintaining a system of rules or administration.

secure dominance

Highlights efforts to establish and maintain a leading position.

preserve the steering

A literal adaptation to a physical context (like driving).

FAQs

How can I use "keep the controls" in a sentence?

You can use "keep the controls" to describe maintaining command or management over something. For example, "It's important to "keep the controls" during a delicate operation".

What's a good alternative to "keep the controls"?

Alternatives include "maintain control", "retain authority", or "hold sway depending" on the specific context.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "keep the controls"?

It's appropriate when describing the act of maintaining command, direction, or regulation over a system, process, or situation. This can range from technical contexts to abstract management scenarios.

How does "keep the controls" differ from "lose the controls"?

"Keep the controls" implies maintaining command, while "lose the controls" signifies a failure to maintain that command, leading to a loss of regulation or direction.