keep the trains running

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'keep the trains running' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the process of keeping something functioning, as in the context of transportation. For example: "The maintenance team worked hard to keep the trains running smoothly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Cleveland needs subsidies just to keep the trains running.

The New Yorker

All this would further mortgage California's future with more debt and, conceivably, subsidies to keep the trains running.

The Washington Post

Historically, it acted as a catch-all authority to make sure federal judges could keep the trains running on time.

The Washington Post

How can a country that cannot keep its lights on possibly keep the trains running on time, critics ask.

The New York Times

Mr. Bloomberg's plan calls for new fortifications to keep homes and businesses dry, to keep the trains running and the lights on.

The New York Times

That's a luxury that doesn't exist within the school system where we are often barely able to keep the trains running on time".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Repelling magnets keep the train running on a bed of air four inches above the track.

The New York Times

"Eric keeps the trains running on time very efficiently".

The New Yorker

If the Obama presidential campaign had a conductor -- a person who kept the trains running on time and the symphony playing together -- it was Alyssa Mastromonaco.

The New York Times

While the Senate was a carnival of dysfunction, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver kept the trains running in his chamber in almost plodding defiance, passing 129 bills in four days, including legislation that extended wage protections to farm workers and a bill that allowed a Long Island church to apply for a property tax exemption.

The New York Times

She kept the trains running between the departure of Arden Bement in May 2010 and Suresh's arrival in October, and she has held the deputy director's job since January 2009 (except for a 4-month hiatus in 2011).

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep the trains running", consider the context and whether a more specific term might be appropriate for formal or technical writing. While the phrase is widely understood, it can sometimes lack the precision needed in certain situations.

Common error

Avoid using "keep the trains running" repeatedly within a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing your sentences to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep the trains running" functions as an idiomatic expression, often used as a verb phrase within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It commonly represents the action of maintaining operations or ensuring the continuation of a process.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep the trains running" is a common idiomatic expression used to describe maintaining operations or ensuring the continuation of a process, often in challenging circumstances. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media sources, its usage extends to wiki and business contexts, indicating a neutral level of formality. While widely understood, it's important to consider whether a more specific term would be more appropriate in technical or formal writing to enhance precision and avoid overusing the idiom.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep the system going

Is a more casual way of saying "keep the trains running", focusing on a system instead of a process.

ensure the process continues

Highlights the guarantee that a process will persist.

maintain operational continuity

Replaces the idiomatic expression with a more formal and technical term emphasizing business operations.

uphold the operations

Implies actively supporting and defending the ongoing operations.

maintain service delivery

Specifically refers to keeping a service available and operational.

ensure smooth operation

Focuses on the efficiency and absence of disruptions in the operation, not necessarily on continuation.

keep things moving

A more general phrase suggesting momentum and progress rather than specifically operations.

sustain functionality

Highlights the ability to keep a system or device functional over a longer period.

preserve the process

Emphasizes the act of protecting an ongoing procedure or set of actions.

continue the work

Focuses on the continuation of effort and activity.

FAQs

What does "keep the trains running" mean?

The phrase "keep the trains running" is an idiomatic expression that means to maintain operations, ensure functionality, or keep things going smoothly, often in the face of challenges or difficulties.

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

You can use "keep the trains running" to describe efforts to maintain essential services or operations, as in "The team worked tirelessly to "keep the trains running" during the strike."

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

Some alternatives to "keep the trains running" include "maintain operational continuity", "ensure smooth operation", or "sustain functionality", depending on the specific context.

Is "keep the trains running" formal or informal?

The phrase "keep the trains running" leans towards the informal side. While it is widely understood, it might be more appropriate to use more formal language in academic or professional settings.