keep the process alive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep the process alive" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where you want to emphasize the importance of maintaining momentum or continuity in a process. For example, "We need to keep the process alive to ensure we meet our deadlines." Alternative expressions include "sustain the process" and "maintain the process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Mr. Aboul Gheit also criticized Israel as not doing enough to keep the process alive.

The New York Times

Mr. Kerry, on the other hand, appears determined to keep the process alive.

The New York Times

Candidates who appear to be front-runners will often lose states late in the game, if only because some voters like to keep the process alive.

The New York Times

Negotiators, having entered the United Nations climate talks at Copenhagen two years ago with grand ambitions and having left with disillusion, are now defining expectations down and hoping to keep the process alive through modest steps.

The New York Times - Science

It took an emergency agreement brokered by John Kerry, America's secretary of state, to keep the process alive, but the deal is starting to show some of its inherent flaws.

The Economist

Sinan Ulgen, chairman of the Center for Economic and Foreign Policy Studies, an Istanbul-based research group, said that the European Commission appeared to be putting a positive gloss on the talks to try to keep the process alive.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

BANGKOK — Even as Khmer Rouge trials in Cambodia gain momentum with compelling testimony from the regime's chief torturer, allegations of corruption among the tribunal staff have slowed the international funding that keeps the process alive.

The New York Times

PAGE A10 CLAIMS CLOUD KHMER ROUGE TRIALS Even as the trials of five leading Khmer Rouge figures in Cambodia gain momentum with compelling testimony from the former regime's chief torturer, accusations of corruption among the tribunal staff have slowed the international financing that keeps the process alive.

The New York Times

Climate talks in Durban, South African, arrived at a conclusion that, while far short of what is needed, at least keeps the process alive.

Huffington Post

We wanted to keep the political process alive, but inactive".

The Economist

In the meantime, efforts to keep the Kyoto process alive continue.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep the process alive", ensure the context clearly identifies what 'process' refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For instance, specify "keep the peace process alive" rather than relying on the reader to infer the process.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "keep the process alive" inherently implies progress. It simply means maintaining activity, not necessarily moving forward. Always clarify the desired outcome alongside the phrase to avoid misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep the process alive" functions as a verb phrase often used as part of a larger sentence to express the need to maintain a certain activity or procedure. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Formal & Business

19%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Opinion

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep the process alive" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to emphasize the importance of maintaining continuity in a given activity or procedure. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its wide applicability across various contexts, particularly in news and business settings. While generally neutral in register, it leans toward professional due to its structured nature. Remember that while this phrase stresses the maintenance of activity, it does not inherently guarantee progress or success, so context and clarification are key. Consider using alternatives like "maintain the momentum" or "preserve the continuity" for nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sustain the momentum

Focuses on maintaining the speed and force of progress, rather than the process itself.

maintain the continuity

Emphasizes uninterrupted flow, differing from "keep the process alive" which is about keeping something from ending.

preserve the progress

Highlights the achievements made so far, needing protection, not just the continuation of a process.

ensure its survival

Stresses the possibility of failure, needing effort to continue existing, not just maintaining momentum.

continue the undertaking

Directs the focus towards the initial agreement or pledge, rather than the vitality of its steps.

advance the procedure

Suggests moving a specific series of actions forward, with an approach that is slightly more technical.

further the development

Implies expansion and enhancement, rather than just keeping the process going.

promote the advancement

Shifts the focus to advocating for progress, instead of maintaining activity.

drive the initiative

Emphasizes leadership and proactive effort in pushing a plan forward.

fuel the progression

Focuses on adding energy or resources to ensure ongoing development.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "keep the process alive" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, you could use phrases like "maintain the momentum", "preserve the continuity", or "sustain the initiative" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to "keep the process alive"?

To "keep the process alive" means to ensure that a particular procedure, activity, or series of actions continues to function or progress, even in the face of challenges or setbacks. It emphasizes maintaining momentum and preventing stagnation or failure.

Is "keep the process alive" always a positive thing?

While generally used in a positive context, "keep the process alive" doesn't necessarily guarantee a desirable outcome. It simply implies that the process continues, regardless of whether it's leading to a successful conclusion. The context is crucial to understanding the intended meaning.

What's a common mistake when using the phrase "keep the process alive"?

A common mistake is assuming that "keep the process alive" automatically implies progress or success. It's important to clarify the intended outcome or goal alongside the phrase to ensure clear communication.