keep the lead

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep the lead" is a valid and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used as an imperative, meaning to maintain an advantage or position of authority. For example, "The team worked together to build a strong lead but, in the last quarter, they started to lose momentum. To ensure a win, their coach encouraged them to keep the lead they had built."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hood replied that he would take careful soundings as he advanced to test the depth of the water, and that, "If you will allow the honour of leading you into battle, I will keep the lead going".

Wikipedia

I'll keep the lead".

The New York Times - Magazine

But Colorado could not keep the lead.

The New York Times - Sports

"I think you keep the lead," the agent said.

The New York Times - Magazine

Johnson did not keep the lead for long.

The New York Times

The best hope for B.Y.U would be to get ahead early and keep the lead.

The New York Times

Would Taylor be able to keep the lead for the final two minutes?

The New York Times - Sports

You have to stay in charge; you've got to keep the lead.

The New York Times

But the Hitmen could neither contain Orlando Rage quarterback Jeff Brohm nor keep the lead.

The New York Times - Sports

Cancellara is unlikely to keep the lead until the finish on Sunday in Pasadena, however.

The New York Times - Sports

"The only disappointment for me is that we couldn't keep the lead".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep the lead" in competitive contexts, ensure the subject is clearly defined. For instance, specify "the team" or "the candidate" to avoid ambiguity about who is maintaining the advantage.

Common error

Avoid using "keep the lead" in contexts where there isn't a clear competitive aspect or hierarchical structure. Using it to describe maintaining a simple status can sound odd or forced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep the lead" primarily functions as a verb phrase used to express the action of maintaining a position of advantage or dominance. It often appears in contexts related to sports, business, and competition, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Academia

6%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep the lead" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase, primarily used to describe the act of maintaining a position of advantage or dominance. As shown by Ludwig, it's versatile enough for various contexts, including news, sports, and business, without being overly formal or informal. Analysis of authoritative sources shows it is predominantly used in news and media, indicating its relevance in reporting and commentary. Overall, "keep the lead" is a straightforward and effective way to communicate the idea of maintaining a competitive edge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay ahead

Focuses on the aspect of remaining in a forward position or being more advanced.

maintain the advantage

Focuses on the general act of maintaining an advantage, without specifying the leading position.

defend the leading spot

Focuses on the act of defending or protecting a leading position.

hold the foremost position

Emphasizes the act of holding a top or most important position.

stick to first place

Highlights the concept of not giving up the first position.

retain control

Highlights the aspect of maintaining control over a situation or entity.

preserve dominance

Emphasizes the act of preserving a state of being dominant.

maintain the upper echelon

This phrase describes how one can keep themselves in the upper levels of an organizational hierarchy.

sustain the upper hand

Highlights the act of sustaining a position of power or superiority.

prevent being overtaken

Highlights the action to remain superior.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep the lead" to describe maintaining a position of advantage, for example, "The company needs to innovate to "stay ahead" in the market and "maintain the advantage"".

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

In more formal contexts, you might use phrases such as "retain control" or "preserve dominance" to convey a similar meaning with a higher degree of formality.

What does it mean to "keep the lead in his pencil"?

The phrase "keep the lead in his pencil" is an idiom, used humorously or euphemistically to refer to a man's sexual potency or virility. It is not related to the typical use of "keep the lead" referring to maintaining an advantage.

Which is correct, "keep the lead" or "hold the lead"?

Both phrases are correct and commonly used. "Keep the lead" emphasizes maintaining the position over time, while "hold the foremost position" simply indicates possessing it at a specific moment.