keep the engine running

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "keep the engine running" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that an engine or any kind of machine should continuously be in operation. For example, you can say, "We need to keep the engine running so that the car doesn't shut down."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"When you come to a stop light, you keep the engine running".

The New York Times - Science

But John wants to check the hotel's bar once more.He goes in alone, while I turn the car around, turn off the lights and keep the engine running.

The Economist

When he does try to keep the engine running with infusions of ambiguity and complication, they often seem implausible or inconsistent.

The New York Times

"Bigger deals, bigger players -- as the economy gets tight, this is what you need to keep the engine running steady, and this what we are seeing at 8A".

The New York Times

The only, and alas, very serious problem is that where Impressionist and Modern art are concerned, there is little left to keep the engine running.

The New York Times - Arts

The C.V.T. is programmed to keep the engine running near its 5,000 r.p.m. torque peak, where strong acceleration is always available.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

I kept the engine running at all times and the transmission in Drive.

The New York Times

A small one filled with petroleum-based diesel keeps the engine running until the car's radiator has heated up.

The Economist

Selling music and merch from my own website and also on tour keeps the engine running.

Huffington Post

Leeming found rocks to put behind the wheels to stop it rolling back while Hinkler kept the engine running.

Wikipedia

When I pulled up outside a friend's house to pick her up I kept the engine running.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep the engine running" in a narrative, consider the context. Is it about literal machinery, or is it metaphorical, referring to maintaining momentum in a project or relationship? Tailor your language to fit.

Common error

Avoid using "keep the engine running" in contexts where it sounds awkward or out of place. Overusing metaphors can weaken your writing. Ensure the comparison is clear and adds value to your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep the engine running" primarily functions as a directive or instruction, often within a narrative or practical context. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It can also serve as a metaphorical expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep the engine running" is a versatile expression that can be used literally or metaphorically to emphasize the importance of maintaining continuous operation or momentum. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It appears frequently in contexts related to news, general instructions and science, where it serves to instruct or advise action. While its literal meaning refers to maintaining the operation of an engine, its metaphorical use extends to various scenarios where continuous progress is crucial. Related phrases, such as ""maintain momentum"" or ""sustain activity"", can be used as alternatives depending on the specific context. Remember to consider the appropriateness of its use in metaphorical senses to avoid awkward or unclear writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue running the motor

More direct and less idiomatic, simply stating the act of continuing to run the motor.

keep the motor going

Similar in meaning, this expression uses "motor" instead of "engine" and is more colloquial.

maintain engine operation

Focuses specifically on the operational aspect of an engine, removing the implication of continuous activity.

sustain the motor's activity

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the motor's operation, using a more formal tone.

prevent engine shutdown

Shifts the focus to preventing the engine from stopping, rather than keeping it actively running.

don't switch off the engine

Advises against turning off the engine, highlighting avoidance rather than active maintenance.

ensure the machine stays on

Simplifies the phrase to focus on the on/off state of any machine, lacking the nuances of an engine's operation.

let the engine idle

Specifically refers to letting an engine run at low speed while not in gear, a particular type of running.

keep the power plant operational

Uses a more technical term for engine, suggesting a larger scale or industrial context.

preserve the vehicle's ignition

Highlights maintaining the ignition state of a vehicle, a slightly different aspect than the engine's continuous operation.

FAQs

How can I use "keep the engine running" in a sentence?

You can use "keep the engine running" literally, referring to a vehicle, or metaphorically, to mean maintaining momentum. For example: "Keep the engine running while I quickly grab something from the store", or "We need to "keep the engine running" on this project to meet our deadline".

What does "keep the engine running" mean?

Literally, it means to maintain the operation of an engine. Figuratively, it means to maintain momentum or activity in a process, project, or relationship. It implies continuous effort to "sustain activity".

Which is correct: "keep the engine running" or "keep the engine run"?

"Keep the engine running" is correct. "Running" is a gerund acting as a noun, describing the state of the engine. "Keep the engine run" is grammatically incorrect.

What are some alternatives to "keep the engine running"?

Alternatives include "maintain momentum", "sustain activity", or "keep things moving" depending on the context. These phrases convey the idea of maintaining continuous operation or progress.