keep the place running

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep the place running" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to maintaining the operation or functionality of a location, organization, or system. Example: "During the manager's absence, it was my responsibility to keep the place running smoothly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Employees work three shifts to keep the place running 24 hours a day.

The New York Times

She wanted Mr. Fletcher to keep the place running after her death, and he has bought it from her family for an undisclosed amount.

The New York Times - Arts

Along with a handful of staff and Bushmen (Namibia's indigenous, displaced Sans people), an army of volunteers, mostly young Europeans and Americans, keep the place running.

The Guardian - Travel

All this is destined for the communal dinner table - and for the inconspicuous barefoot army of staff who keep the place running with gentle dignity and kindness.

The Guardian - Travel

There is below-ground space available to store fuel to power the diesel motors in quantities intended to keep the place running for three days without an outside utility.

The New York Times

"Salaries are cheap if you can keep the place running," said Paul W. Rubin, who became operations manager at Indian Point 2 after Entergy bought it from Con Edison last Sept. 6.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

A skeleton staff of eight keeps the place running, serving Apollo and Endeavour burgers to dwindling numbers of customers, and the landlord believes things could get worse.

The Guardian

He alienates his daughter Lisa Ashley Greenee), who works as the club's bookkeeper; his old pal Merv Ferguson Donal Loguee), who keeps the place running; and Taxi (Richard de Klerk), the long-suffering sound engineer.

The New York Times

A firm and resourceful administrator, he has kept the place running smoothly for two decades, with none of the controversies and contretemps that so frequently afflicted it under Thomas Hoving, his brilliant, mercurial, and dangerously flawed predecessor.

The New Yorker

A lifelong resident, Green works night shifts at a Speedway gas station close to downtown Detroit, where he mans the cash register and as the only employee on-site singlehandedly keeps the place running.

The Guardian - Money

At the moment, his doctor's house is shared by four other health workers (he did not want to throw out people who kept the place running), but, with two staff houses under construction, the housing situation is expected to improve.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep the place running", ensure the context clearly indicates what 'the place' refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For example, specify "keep the office running" or "keep the project running".

Common error

Avoid using "keep the place running" without a clear antecedent for 'the place'. If it's not immediately obvious, specify the location or system to avoid confusion. For example, don't just say "It's hard to keep the place running"; instead, say "It's hard to keep the restaurant running".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep the place running" functions as a verb phrase that typically acts as the predicate of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes the action of maintaining the operational status of a location or system.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Reference

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep the place running" is a common and generally accepted idiom for describing the maintenance of operations or functionality. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It finds frequent usage in news and media, as well as wiki articles, carrying a neutral to informal register. While it's widely understood, specifying 'the place' and considering more formal alternatives like "maintain operations" can enhance clarity and suitability in different contexts. Understanding its nuances helps ensure effective communication across various professional and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain operations

Focuses on the act of maintaining business operations but is a more formal wording.

ensure the place functions

Highlights the functionality aspect, less idiomatic than the original.

sustain the establishment

More formal and emphasizes the continuity of the establishment.

manage the facility

Focuses on the management aspect, applicable in facility-related contexts.

oversee operations

Emphasizes the supervisory role in maintaining operations.

keep the business afloat

Specifically implies financial survival, adding an economic dimension.

preserve the organization

Focuses on preventing damage or change to the organization.

hold things together

More informal and suggests a struggle to maintain stability.

man the helm

Suggests leadership and guidance to maintain control.

tend to the establishment

Implies care and attention to the establishment's needs.

FAQs

What does "keep the place running" mean?

The phrase "keep the place running" means to maintain the operation or functionality of a specific location, organization, or system. It implies ensuring that everything continues to function effectively.

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

You can use alternatives like "maintain operations", "ensure the place functions", or "manage the facility" depending on the context.

Is "keep the place running" formal or informal?

"Keep the place running" is generally considered an informal phrase. More formal alternatives include "maintain operations" or "sustain the establishment".

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

Here's an example: "During the manager's absence, it was my responsibility to "keep the place running" smoothly." Another example: "The volunteers worked tirelessly to "keep the place running" after the natural disaster".