keep them nearer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep them nearer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the desire to maintain proximity or closeness to someone or something. Example: "In order to strengthen our relationship, I believe we should keep them nearer to us during the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 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

Now the Texans are stocked with talent that should keep them near the top of the division for years, particularly if they can avoid the kind of injuries that may ultimately have shortened their playoff run in 2011.

The New York Times

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

Write these words down and keep them near.

Huffington Post

We keep them near us while we sleep.

Huffington Post

As you weave, keep pushing the strips in close together to keep them near and straightened.

WikiHow

Keep them near the phone, computer or on the refrigerator to remind yourself.

WikiHow

Try to keep them near and at the same level at the keyboard.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep them nearer", ensure the context clearly indicates what "them" refers to, to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Keep the essential documents nearer to your workstation for quick access."

Common error

Avoid using "keep them nearer" when a more direct term like "keep them close" would suffice, especially in informal contexts. Overusing "nearer" can sound unnecessarily formal or awkward if simple proximity is intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep them nearer" functions as a directive or suggestion, often appearing within a larger clause to express a desired state of proximity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound. The single exact example in Ludwig shows how it is used to express a desire to make something closer, almost tangible.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep them nearer" is a grammatically correct directive that expresses a desire for greater proximity, according to Ludwig AI. It's most commonly found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, but its overall frequency is rare. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in what "them" refers to, and consider whether a more common alternative like "keep them close" might be more appropriate. While grammatically sound, thoughtful application ensures the message is both clear and effectively conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep them close

Emphasizes maintaining a tight bond or physical proximity.

draw them nearer

Emphasizes the action of bringing something closer.

maintain their nearness

Highlights the state of being close.

pull them closer

Suggests a more deliberate and sometimes forceful action.

retain their proximity

A more formal way of expressing keeping something nearby.

have them nearby

Highlights the state of something being in close proximity.

hold them dear

Focuses on emotional value and cherishing someone or something.

keep them within reach

Implies the ability to easily access or interact with something.

preserve their adjacency

Stresses the spatial relationship of being next to each other.

sustain their closeness

Focuses on the continuity of the proximity.

FAQs

What does "keep them nearer" mean?

The phrase "keep them nearer" suggests a desire to maintain something or someone in closer proximity than they currently are. The term "them" refers to a group of entities (objects, people, ideas, etc.), and "nearer" implies bringing them to a closer position or relationship.

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

You can use "keep them nearer" when you want to suggest bringing something closer. For example, "In order to strengthen our relationship, I believe we should "keep them close" during the project." Make sure that the context implies what you are keeping near.

What are some alternatives to "keep them nearer"?

Alternatives include "keep them close", "bring them closer", or "draw them nearer", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The best choice depends on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "keep them nearer" instead of "keep them near"?

"Keep them nearer" implies a comparison, suggesting you want to bring something closer than its current position. "Keep them near" simply means maintaining proximity. Use "nearer" when there's a specific intent to reduce the distance further.