keep the order

USAGE SUMMARY

'keep the order' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to remind someone to stick to existing rules, procedures, or instructions. For example: "Please keep the order and follow the directions that were given."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

He combed through his memory, trying to keep the order of his hits straight.

The New Yorker

Looking back, it's hard to keep the order of calamity straight; ESPN has posted a timeline.

The New Yorker

Maybe the handful of Los Angeles County deputy sheriffs wandering about and sometimes posing, helped keep the order.

The New York Times

"People shouted loudly against the police and the policemen stood quietly beside to keep the order and safety of the demonstrators".

The New Yorker

The Justice Department has appealed that order and the appeals court said it would keep the order from being implemented until it hears from both sides.

The New York Times - Health

Most Justice Department officials had seemed confident that the appellate court would lift its temporary injunction, and the panel's ruling to keep the order in place left officials there appearing uncertain about how to proceed.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

With the Lib Dems to please, however, it is uncertain whether David Cameron, the prime minister, will ultimately decide to keep the orders.

The Economist

That helps keep the orders moving quickly, whilst managing account and sales without manual input.

TechCrunch

They never kept the order intact three consecutive games.

The New York Times - Sports

He kept the order in place until he issued yesterday's decision.

The New York Times

After al-Badawī's death, the Aḥmadiyyah was headed by ʿAbd al-ʿĀl, a close disciple who kept the order under strict rule until his death in 1332.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "keep the order", be specific about which order you are referring to. Ambiguity can lead to confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "keep the order" when you simply mean to tidy up. This phrase is better suited for maintaining an established sequence, protocol, or legal command, not for general cleanliness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep the order" primarily functions as a command or instruction. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It directs someone to maintain a specific arrangement, sequence, or established rule. Examples show its application in diverse contexts, from card games to legal proceedings.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

24%

Science

24%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep the order" is a versatile instruction with the purpose of ensuring things remain in a desired sequence or arrangement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suitability in various contexts. While relatively uncommon, its usage spans across news, scientific, and general instructional domains. Effective use involves clear context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like ""maintain order"" or ""preserve order"" can be considered for nuanced emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain order

This alternative uses a single verb to convey the same concept of preserving an existing state.

preserve order

This phrase emphasizes the importance of protecting the current state of things.

uphold the order

This option suggests actively supporting and defending the current arrangement.

enforce the order

This alternative focuses on ensuring compliance with the established rules or arrangements.

retain the arrangement

The wording shifts the focus to a specific agreement or set up.

stick to the plan

This option is used when there is an established strategy to follow.

follow the procedure

This focuses on adherence to a specific set of steps or guidelines.

maintain sequence

Changes the emphasis from overall order to the correct and consistent series of steps.

keep things in check

This alternative is more idiomatic and suggests controlling a situation.

keep everything aligned

This conveys the concept of ensuring that different elements are working together harmoniously.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep the order" in a sentence to instruct someone to maintain a specific sequence or arrangement, as in, "Please "keep the order" of the cards when you shuffle them".

What's a good alternative to "keep the order"?

Alternatives to "keep the order" include "maintain order", "preserve order", or "uphold the order", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "keep the order" or "maintain the order"?

"Keep the order" and "maintain the order" are often interchangeable. However, "maintain" may imply more active effort to preserve the current state, while "keep" can simply mean to not change it.

Can "keep the order" refer to keeping things tidy?

While "keep the order" can sometimes imply tidiness, it's more accurate to use phrases like "keep things tidy" or "maintain cleanliness" if you specifically mean to keep things neat and organized.