keep them close

USAGE SUMMARY

"Keep them close" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to people who are important to you, for example: "I've made some wonderful new friends this year; I plan to keep them close."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'll keep them close to my vest".

The New York Times

"Keep them close to their tribe," Major Patterson said.

The New York Times

Place the cords and other hardware in bags or boxes and keep them close by.

The New York Times - Tech

But at least their defense will keep them close in games for the rest of 2013.

The Guardian - Sport

"In the wild, the mother will put her neck over the foal to keep them close".

The New York Times

Permit me to be selfish again, sharing her words in order to keep them close.

The New Yorker

"The book has allowed me to bring them close, keep them close," she says.

The Guardian

"I've kept my cards close to my chest but there's no reason to keep them close now.

BBC

O'Neill separated them to show that there were two bands, but then pressed them back together to keep them close.

The New York Times - Sports

As President Obama said, "Our hearts are broken". Robbie Parker, father of Emilie Parker, said through his tears, "Remember these beautiful children; keep them close to our hearts.

Princeton University

Wrapping such drugs in a scaffold allows doctors to keep them close to a tumour and control their rate of release.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep them close" to emphasize the importance of maintaining relationships or physical proximity to something valuable. For example, "In times of uncertainty, it's essential to keep your loved ones close."

Common error

Avoid using "keep them close" in contexts where physical restraint is implied, unless that is the explicit intention. The phrase typically connotes emotional or protective closeness, not confinement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep them close" primarily functions as an imperative, often used to advise or encourage someone to maintain a strong connection with people or things they value. The phrase can also function as a declarative statement indicating an action of maintaining proximity. Ludwig AI affirms this.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep them close" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression, as validated by Ludwig. It carries a neutral tone and is suitable for diverse contexts, from maintaining personal relationships to safeguarding valuable assets. Predominantly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science sources, the phrase emphasizes the importance of protection, value, and consistent connection. Remember to use it to denote emotional or protective closeness, steering clear of connotations of physical restraint unless intentionally implied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay connected with them

Emphasizes maintaining a relationship or communication.

keep them within reach

Implies keeping someone or something accessible and available.

maintain proximity to them

Focuses on maintaining physical nearness.

preserve your bond with them

Focuses on maintaining a strong connection or relationship.

hold them dear

Highlights the emotional value and cherishing of the relationship.

nurture your relationship with them

Focuses on actively fostering and developing the relationship.

value your relationship with them

Focuses on the importance you give to a relation.

treasure their company

Emphasizes appreciating and enjoying their presence.

cherish their presence

Emphasizes valuing and appreciating their presence.

hug them tight

Suggests a physical expression of closeness and affection.

FAQs

How can I use "keep them close" in a sentence?

You can use "keep them close" to express the importance of maintaining connections with loved ones, such as "After the tragedy, she decided to keep her family close". It can also refer to valuable items or information you want to protect, such as "During the negotiation, it's wise to "keep your cards close to your chest"".

What does it mean to "keep your friends close and your enemies closer"?

The saying "keep your friends close and your enemies closer" means that you should stay aware of what your enemies are doing, even if it means befriending them or "keeping them close". This allows you to anticipate their actions and protect yourself.

What can I say instead of "keep them close"?

Alternatives to "keep them close" include "hold them dear", "stay connected with them", or "maintain proximity to them", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "kept them close" instead of "keep them close"?

Yes, "kept them close" is the past tense form of the phrase. "Keep them close" is present tense or imperative, while "kept them close" refers to a past action of maintaining closeness.