keep the key

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep the key" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to tell someone to retain something that has been given to them. For example, "Please keep the key to my apartment so that you can come back anytime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Based on our regular economic and monetary analyses, we decided to keep the key ECB interest rates unchanged.

The Guardian - Business

"The risk is that they have to smoothly blend the cultures and keep the key people," Mr. Mandle of Sanford C. Bernstein said.

The New York Times

"Let's say the door to my house is locked, but I keep the key Scotch-taped next to it," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

The bank governor Toshihiko Fukui and his policy board voted unanimously to keep the key overnight lending rate at 0.5percentthethe lowest among major economies, the Bank of Japan said in a statement.

The New York Times

Miss Agatha had let me keep the key to her son's place, but I decided against going back up there, lest she hear me and I have to tell her I'd found out nothing yet.

The New Yorker

With jobs leaking from the economy month after month, Federal Reserve policy makers decided on Tuesday to keep the key interest rate they control at its current level of 2percentt.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

I keep the keys on the kitchen counter".

The New York Times - Magazine

Maoist leaders will keep the keys but a United Nations team will install monitoring equipment.

The Economist

"If it doesn't fit, don't force it... "(And keep the keys handy)".

Independent

Before dealing with the dampers, he fitted in a felt-edged slat that would keep the keys from bouncing and clacking.

The New York Times

Keep the keys to yourself so that third parties must request data access through you instead of potentially working around you to access your data.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep the key" metaphorically, ensure the audience understands the symbolic representation and its significance within the context.

Common error

Avoid using "keep the key" without clear context; otherwise, your audience may misunderstand the meaning and purpose of this statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep the key" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "keep" acts as the main verb and "the key" is the direct object. Ludwig AI indicates it is a correct and usable phrase in written English used to instruct someone to retain something. This phrase often signifies retaining control, responsibility, or access.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

34%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep the key" is a common and grammatically sound expression signifying the act of retaining possession or control of something significant. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used across various contexts, including news, general writing, and scientific articles. While generally neutral in register, it's important to provide clear context to prevent misinterpretations. Alternatives like ""retain possession of the key"" or ""maintain control of the key"" can be considered for nuanced meanings. When using this phrase, ensure the symbolic meaning is clear to your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold on to the key

This phrase suggests retaining the key, emphasizing preventing its loss.

retain possession of the key

This alternative more formally expresses the act of maintaining ownership or control over the key.

maintain control of the key

This alternative focuses on the aspect of control associated with having the key.

hold the key safely

This focuses on the safe-keeping aspect of having the key.

retain access to the key

Access is granted based on key ownership and key is safe kept.

secure the key

This alternative emphasizes the action of making sure the key is safe.

do not relinquish the key

This option stresses resistance of relinquishing control or ownership.

ensure safekeeping of the key

It emphasizes a proactive approach of securing the item in the best way.

store the key securely

This alternative concentrates on the method of storage to guarantee its safety.

protect the key

The safety is being considered and has proactive approach for the item to be safe.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep the key" to advise someone to retain control or possession of something, as in, "If you want to access the building later, you must keep the key with you."

What does it mean to "keep the key" metaphorically?

Metaphorically, "keep the key" can mean retaining control over something essential, such as a relationship, a secret, or a crucial position. For example, "To "maintain the relationship", you need to keep the key to good communication."

What are some alternatives to "keep the key"?

Alternatives include "retain possession of the key", "hold on to the key", or "maintain control of the key", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it better to say "keep the key" or "hold the key"?

Both "keep the key" and "hold the key" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Keep the key" suggests continuous possession, while "hold the key" can imply temporary possession or control. The best choice depends on the intended meaning.