keep the show going

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep the show going" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the idea of maintaining momentum and continuing something that is already in progress. For example, "We've been working hard all day; let's keep the show going and finish this project!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

ABC executives are concerned that many viewers may abandon the Oscar broadcast to watch wall-to-wall war coverage on competing channels, so the plans being considered will make every effort to keep the show going while also keeping viewers up to date on the course of battle.

The New York Times

I'm not sure how they keep the show going".

The New York Times

One listener rounded up donations from 40 friends to keep the show going.

The New York Times

But his desire to keep the show going, with a new host, is raising eyebrows.

The New York Times - Arts

The strategy is just to keep the show going, and make as much progress in other areas as possible.

The Guardian

It had to be staged somehow or somewhere, to keep the show going and prevent interest from dying out.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Carter's father died in 2000, but the family has kept the show going.

The Guardian - Music

NBC kept the show going despite its low ratings and it's now in its third season.

The New Yorker

Credit belongs to Vincent La Selva, the company's insightful and generous artistic director and conductor, who has kept the show going for 38 seasons.

The New York Times - Arts

It was the Van Halens who kept the show going, though they would have been lost without Roth doing his best Roth impersonation.

The New Yorker

While he was ill, after season one (Blood and Sand), a short prequel series (Gods of the Arena) kept the show going and expanded the back-story of the many supporting characters, turning the show into more of an ensemble piece.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep the show going" to convey the sense of sustaining effort and preventing an activity from stopping, particularly when there are challenges or distractions.

Common error

While versatile, "keep the show going" might sound too informal in highly professional or academic writing. Opt for phrases like "maintain the activity" or "sustain the momentum" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep the show going" primarily functions as an idiomatic expression used as a verb phrase. It indicates the act of maintaining momentum or ensuring the continuation of an event or activity, especially when facing difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms this as correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep the show going" is a common and correct idiomatic phrase used to describe the act of maintaining momentum or ensuring the continuation of an event or activity, especially when facing challenges. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal contexts, with primary usage in News & Media. Alternatives such as "sustain the momentum" or "maintain the activity" may be more appropriate for formal writing. Remember to consider your audience and context when choosing the most effective way to express the need to keep things moving.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep the ball rolling

An idiomatic alternative that stresses maintaining progress.

continue the performance

Specifically relates to keeping a presentation or act in progress.

carry on with the event

Suggests proceeding with a planned or scheduled occurrence.

sustain the momentum

Focuses on maintaining the speed and energy already present.

keep things moving

Highlights the importance of avoiding stagnation and furthering progress.

maintain the activity

Emphasizes preserving the ongoing action or process.

forge ahead with the project

Focuses on advancing despite possible obstacles.

press on with the proceedings

A more formal way to say continue the activity.

persevere with the undertaking

Stresses the importance of persistence in the face of challenges.

advance the process

Highlights the act of making forward progress on a task.

FAQs

How can I use "keep the show going" in a sentence?

You can use "keep the show going" to describe the act of maintaining an activity or event, such as "Despite the technical difficulties, the team managed to "keep the show going"".

What are some alternatives to "keep the show going"?

Some alternatives include "sustain the momentum", "maintain the activity", or "continue the performance", depending on the context.

Is "keep the show going" appropriate for formal writing?

While widely understood, "keep the show going" is generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "carry on with the event" or "press on with the proceedings".

What does it mean to "keep the show going"?

To "keep the show going" means to maintain progress, prevent interruption, and ensure the continuation of an event, activity, or process, often in the face of challenges.