keep the faith

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep the faith" is an idiomatic expression that is commonly used in written English.
It is used to encourage someone to remain hopeful or confident in a difficult situation. For example: "I know this project is stressful, but keep the faith - you can do it!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Voice of the Faithful, whose motto is "Keep the faith, change the Church," denies that characterization.

Forbes

His message: Keep the faith.

The New York Times - Sports

Keep the faith, Bobbie!

The Guardian - Opinion

So keep the faith".

The Guardian

But you must keep the faith.

Independent

His political descendants keep the faith.

The Economist

Still, I keep the faith.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Keep the faith," says one.

The Guardian

"But I'm trying to keep the faith.

The New Yorker

Be my guest; keep the faith".

The New York Times - Sports

She did keep the faith though.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Incorporate "keep the faith" when writing about perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity, especially in contexts where emotional support is needed.

Common error

While "keep the faith" is a comforting phrase, avoid using it excessively in your writing. Overuse can dilute its impact and make your message seem insincere. Vary your language by using alternatives like "stay strong" or "don't give up".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "keep the faith" is to serve as an imperative phrase, used to encourage perseverance and hope in challenging circumstances. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep the faith" is a commonly used phrase that serves as an imperative to encourage perseverance and hope during difficult times. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical structure and its prevalence in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it leans towards the informal side. To avoid overuse, consider employing alternatives like "stay strong" or "don't give up" for variety. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively use "keep the faith" to offer support and encouragement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Don't give up

Directly advises against surrendering to challenges.

Hang in there

Suggests enduring a situation with patience and resilience.

Hold on

Similar to "hang in there", urging patience during hardship.

Stay strong

Focuses on maintaining personal strength during difficult times.

Remain hopeful

Highlights the importance of maintaining hope.

Stay positive

Emphasizes maintaining an optimistic outlook.

Carry on

Implies continuing forward despite setbacks.

Persevere

Formal term for continuing steadfastly despite obstacles.

Trust the process

Suggests confidence in a particular course of action despite current difficulties.

Believe in yourself

Focuses on self-confidence as a source of strength.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep the faith" to encourage someone during a difficult time. For example, "I know it's tough, but "keep the faith"; things will get better."

What does "keep the faith" mean?

"Keep the faith" means to continue to believe in something, even when things are difficult or uncertain. It is a phrase of encouragement and hope.

Are there situations where "keep the faith" might not be appropriate?

While generally positive, "keep the faith" might not be suitable in situations where someone needs practical solutions rather than just encouragement, or where their trust has been betrayed. Using "focus on solutions" can be more helpful in some instances.

What's a more formal alternative to "keep the faith"?

In a formal setting, you could use phrases like "maintain hope" or "remain optimistic" instead of "keep the faith".