keep them near

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep them near" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to maintaining proximity or closeness to someone or something. Example: "During the storm, it’s important to keep them near for safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

She held all the annoyances he disliked, and he wanted to keep them near him.

The New Yorker

Her great realization, she says, is that "I can only recover myself when I keep them near.

The New York Times - Books

I mean no insult to mention the thousands of people who have their beloved pets mounted to keep them near after death.

The Washington Post

To counter the problems, grounding devices such as jade, jasper and rocks can be very helpful -- just keep them near your computer.

The New York Times - Tech

She held all the annoyances he disliked, and he wanted to keep them near him.. View Article By Rivka Galchen By Alexandra Schwartz By Larissa MacFarquhar By Jia Tolentino.

The New Yorker

But if the rest of the world starts to close the organization gap — and there were signs at this World Cup, with France and Japan, that that's happening — then the U.S. women will need more than the glorious battering ram of Abby Wambach's head to keep them near the top of the sport.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

He had mostly aimed, and mostly succeeded, to keep his narratives close to natural life, and as near to poetry in their subject as the conditions would allow, and had often regretted that those conditions would not let him keep them nearer still".

The New Yorker

As the history of the frying-pan fighter suggests, there was something in the women, or at least in some of them, that drew them to violent men and kept them near those men for years.

The New Yorker

Texas' win kept them near the front of the national championship picture.

Wikipedia

The Americans' fourth-place finish in fencing kept them near the top of the team standings and slightly ahead of the Soviet Union, the eventual gold medal winner.

Los Angeles Times

"We took the kids and kept them near us.

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep them near" in writing, ensure the context clearly explains why maintaining proximity is important. This could be for emotional support, physical safety, or practical convenience.

Common error

While "keep them near" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "maintain their proximity" or "ensure their presence" to enhance the tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep them near" primarily functions as a directive or imperative phrase. It instructs someone to maintain proximity with a specified person or object. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep them near" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for advising or instructing someone to maintain proximity. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's important to consider the context, opting for more formal alternatives like "maintain their proximity" in academic or professional settings. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki contexts. Its straightforward nature makes it suitable for everyday language, and ensuring clarity about why proximity is important will enhance its impact in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep them in proximity

Emphasizes maintaining a state of nearness or closeness.

have them nearby

Simply indicates physical nearness or accessibility.

have them within reach

Emphasizes accessibility and the ability to easily access something or someone.

hold them close

Highlights the physical act of holding something or someone in a close position.

retain them closely

Emphasizes retaining or holding on to something or someone with care.

maintain their proximity

Focuses on the act of actively maintaining closeness.

ensure their presence close by

Focuses on ensuring that something or someone is physically present and close.

preserve their nearness

Emphasizes the act of preserving or maintaining a state of being near.

sustain their closeness

Focuses on the act of sustaining or prolonging a state of closeness.

cherish their vicinity

Highlights the act of valuing or treasuring someone or something in close proximity.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep them near" to suggest maintaining proximity to something or someone. For instance, "During the storm, it's important to "keep them near" for safety", or "Write these words down and "keep them near"."

What are some alternatives to "keep them near"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "keep them close", "have them nearby", or "maintain their proximity".

Is it grammatically correct to say "keep them near"?

Yes, "keep them near" is grammatically correct. "Keep" functions as a verb, "them" as a pronoun, and "near" as an adverb indicating proximity.

What does it mean to "keep them near"?

To "keep them near" means to maintain a close physical or emotional connection with someone or something, often for safety, comfort, or convenience.