keep them save

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep them save" is not correct in English; it should be "keep them safe." You can use the corrected phrase when you want to express the idea of protecting someone or something from harm or danger.
Example: "During the storm, we need to find a way to keep them safe until it passes."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

That flood will engulf the economy, as those who lose their jobs spend less and those who keep them save more in case they too are sacked.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

If you prefer to keep your collections private, you can turn off iCloud syncing during setup to keep them saved to local storage only.

TechCrunch

True, millennials have been shut out of the housing market through a combination of rising rents and high student debt, which keep them from saving enough for a down payment.

Huffington Post

As the game wore on, Zebras' Ghanaian international Ransford Banini was stretchered off with concussion, but Gonzales continued to keep them in it, saving late chances from Bothwell and the NSL's mercurial midfield nomad, John Markovski.

The Guardian - Sport

In a world where the average car is scrapped after nine years, according to the AAA auto club, and where most owners of vintage cars keep them in storage, saving them for collectors' shows, parades and other special occasions, Mr. Gordon's Volvo P1800S is an anomaly.

The New York Times

I never liked needles, so I'd just stick a bit in the end of me fag or something.' Ronnie believes it was his enthusiasm for the Stones and his determined efforts to keep them going that saved him from what he considers excess.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Astana had been very much second best until that point but they were a different side after the break, and the Galatasaray goalkeeper Fernando Muslera made several excellent saves to keep them out.

The Guardian - Sport

We could have scored, their goalkeeper's made some fantastic saves to keep them in the game.

BBC

It was therefore no surprise that Norwich took the game to Swansea and goalkeeper De Vries had to make a fine double-save to keep them out after just four minutes.

BBC

Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard praised the role of goalkeeper Victor Valdés in their victory, stating that he made a number of important saves to keep them in the match: "Valdes played a decisive role.

Wikipedia

In 2007, the BBC reported on a race organizer who painted racing stripes on the shells of the snails to keep them away from thrushes, ultimately "saving the snails".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to express protection or security, favor the phrase "keep them safe" over "keep them save" for grammatical correctness and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "save" when you mean "safe". "Save" is a verb (to rescue), while "safe" is an adjective (protected from danger). The correct phrasing to indicate protection is "keep them safe".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep them save" attempts to function as a directive phrase, expressing the intention to maintain someone or something in a secure or unharmed condition. However, as noted by Ludwig AI, the grammatically correct form is "keep them safe."

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "keep them save" might appear in some contexts, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI points out that the correct and widely accepted form is "keep them safe". This phrase aims to express the intention of protecting someone or something from harm. For clarity and correctness, always opt for "keep them safe" or suitable alternatives like "protect them" or "ensure their safety" in your writing and speech. Using the correct form will enhance the clarity and credibility of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep them protected

Replaces "save" with a more direct synonym, focusing on the act of providing protection.

keep them secure

Emphasizes the idea of maintaining a state of security, guarding against potential threats.

ensure their safety

A more formal phrasing that highlights the action of guaranteeing safety.

maintain their security

Focuses on the ongoing effort to maintain a state of security.

preserve their safety

Highlights the act of preserving existing safety, preventing loss or harm.

safeguard them

Uses a single verb to convey the act of protecting and defending.

guarantee their well-being

Expands the focus to include overall well-being, not just immediate safety.

shield them from harm

Emphasizes the act of sheltering or defending against potential dangers.

watch over them

Suggests a careful and attentive form of protection, like guarding.

look after their well-being

Focuses on providing care and attention to maintain or improve their condition.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "keep them save"?

The grammatically correct way to express protecting someone or something is to use the phrase "keep them safe".

When should I use "keep them safe"?

Use "keep them safe" when you want to express the idea of protecting someone or something from harm or danger. For example, "We need to find a way to keep them safe during the storm".

What are some alternatives to "keep them safe"?

You can use alternatives like "protect them", "ensure their safety", or "safeguard them" depending on the context.

Is "keep them save" ever correct?

While you might encounter the phrase "keep them save", it's generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. The correct phrase is "keep them safe".