keep the subways running

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep the subways running" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the maintenance or operation of subway systems, often in the context of public transportation or urban infrastructure. Example: "The city council is working on a new budget to ensure we can keep the subways running smoothly during peak hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The motormen and car cleaners who keep the subways running were a large part of that circle.

The New York Times

A Manhattan Home Depot store sold about twice as many shovels over the weekend as it normally does while transit officials hoping to keep the subways running smoothly planned to use modified subway cars loaded with de-icing fluid to spray the third rail that powers trains.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Publicly anyway, there's a whole lot of nothing going on between managers of the city's mass-transit system and the union that represents the men and women who keep the subways and buses running.

The New York Times

You could see the subways running underneath.

The New York Times

"Look at New York City: The subways run round the clock".

Huffington Post

New York City has a plan to keep the subways from flooding.

The New York Times - Science

Sounds like the city, with the subway running through it.

The New Yorker

The subway runs 24 hours a day.

The New York Times

Government subsidies are necessary to keep buses, trains and subways running -- and it's more than worth it, considering the congestion, air pollution and disruptions to the economy that would come if cars became the only method of getting around.

The New York Times

— keep the thing running smooth.

The New Yorker

Keep the comments running.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about public transportation, use the phrase "keep the subways running" to convey the importance of continuous operation and maintenance for urban mobility.

Common error

Avoid using "keep the subways running" in casual conversations; it is more suited for formal discussions about transportation, infrastructure, or urban planning.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "keep the subways running" is as a verbal phrase, often used as a clause element expressing a necessary action. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep the subways running" is grammatically correct and primarily used in neutral contexts, especially in News & Media. It conveys the crucial need to maintain continuous subway operations for urban mobility. As noted by Ludwig, this expression is appropriate for formal discussions on transportation and infrastructure, highlighting its significance in urban planning and policy. Alternatives such as "maintain subway operations" or "ensure subway service continuity" can be used to vary the language while retaining the core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Maintain subway operations

Emphasizes the act of maintaining the subway system, focusing on the continuous effort required.

Ensure subway service continuity

Focuses on guaranteeing the uninterrupted service of the subway.

Keep the metro system operational

Uses 'metro system' as a synonym for 'subway' and 'operational' for 'running'.

Sustain subway functionality

Highlights the act of sustaining the subway's ability to function properly.

Keep the underground trains in service

Uses 'underground trains' to specify 'subways' and 'in service' instead of 'running'.

Facilitate continuous subway transit

Focuses on the facilitation of continuous movement within the subway system.

Preserve subway system operations

Highlights the preservation of the subway's operational capabilities.

Uphold subway service

Emphasizes the act of upholding the standards and provision of subway services.

Secure uninterrupted subway flow

Concentrates on securing the continuous and smooth flow of subway traffic.

Ensure the subway's continued operation

Focuses on ensuring that the subway system continues to operate without interruption.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep the subways running" to emphasize the necessity of maintaining subway operations. For example, "The city council is dedicated to "keep the subways running" during peak hours to ease commuter congestion."

What are some alternatives to "keep the subways running"?

Alternatives include "maintain subway operations", "ensure subway service continuity", or "sustain subway functionality". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Why is it important to "keep the subways running"?

Keeping subways running is crucial for urban economies because it supports commuter transit, reduces traffic congestion, and facilitates access to jobs and services. Any disruption can have significant economic and social consequences.

In what contexts is "keep the subways running" most appropriate?

This phrase is appropriate in contexts concerning urban planning, public transportation policy, crisis management (e.g., during weather emergencies), or discussions about infrastructure maintenance and funding. It emphasizes the importance of reliable subway service.