keep the machine running

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep the machine running" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "The maintenance technician made sure to keep the machine running throughout the night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The motorized spindle is one of the major elements to keep the machine running at high productivity.

Mechatronics

Dr. Randall organized a bunch of some 40 theorists to write a letter to the Department of Energy last summer urging them to keep the machine running.

The New York Times - Science

You have to keep your people's spirits up and you have to keep the machine running at a way where everyone's enjoying themselves.

Harvard Business Review

Texas Democrats have made an art form of delay, manipulating House rules that are designed to keep the machine running smoothly and fairly into a perilous bramble of technicalities and minutiae.

The New York Times

It really hurts to say goodbye to your team and to walk yourself out the door instead of chasing money for other issues to just keep the machine running.

The Guardian

Rather than trying to keep the machine running by pumping out high-price hand bags, watches and other goods, he proposed the unthinkable: the entire luxury industry should slash prices.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

But Mr. Persson assumes people will always be needed to keep the machines running.

The New York Times

Shifts of workers keep the machines running around the clock, so new data are always coming in.

Science Magazine

His orchestral music is colorful and painterly, and is essentially the oil that keeps the machine running.

The New York Times - Arts

Management began to promote those analysts who kept the machine running, who didn't push back against bankers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Another would be to give it to the leaders of CERN: the director general, Rolf Dieter-Heuer, who muscled the two giant collaborations to the finish line; Lyn Evans, who oversaw the building of the Large Hadron Collider from its beginnings; and Steve Myers, who wrote the first paper proposing what would become the Large Hadron Collider back in 1984 and has kept the machine running.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "keep the machine running", ensure the context clearly defines what "machine" refers to, whether it's a literal machine, a system, or an abstract process.

Common error

Avoid using "keep the machine running" too frequently in metaphorical contexts without providing specific details. Overuse can dilute the impact and make your writing sound vague.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep the machine running" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It often acts as the predicate of a sentence, describing the action of maintaining or ensuring the continued operation of a system or process. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep the machine running" is a commonly used phrase that means to maintain operations or ensure functionality. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The phrase sees frequent use in news and media, scientific contexts, and formal business settings, as confirmed by Ludwig examples. While the phrase is generally acceptable, remember to define "machine" clearly and avoid overuse in metaphorical contexts. Alternatives such as "maintain operational status" may be more suitable for formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain operational status

Focuses on the state of being operational rather than the action of maintaining it.

ensure continuous operation

Emphasizes the uninterrupted aspect of the operation.

sustain functionality

Highlights the ability to continue performing its intended functions.

keep the system going

Uses a more general term "system" instead of "machine".

preserve operational capacity

Focuses on retaining the ability to operate.

uphold the process

Emphasizes a procedural or systematic operation.

keep operations flowing

Stresses the fluidity and continuity of operations.

maintain workflow efficiency

Highlights the efficiency of the work process.

keep the ball rolling

An idiomatic expression with a less literal interpretation.

avoid system downtime

Focuses on preventing interruptions in the system's operation.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep the machine running" to describe maintaining the functionality of something, for example, "The engineer worked hard to keep the machine running smoothly".

What does it mean to "keep the machine running"?

To "keep the machine running" means to maintain operations, ensure functionality, or prevent something from stopping. It can be used literally or metaphorically.

What can I say instead of "keep the machine running"?

Alternatives include "maintain operational status", "ensure continuous operation", or "sustain functionality" depending on the specific context.

Is "keep the machine running" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "maintain operational status" in highly formal or technical contexts. The appropriateness depends on the audience and the specific tone you aim to achieve.