keep things in order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep things in order" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to organizing or maintaining a systematic arrangement of items or tasks. For example, "She always tries to keep things in order on her desk." Alternative expressions include "maintain organization" and "stay organized."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

"As chefs, we have to keep things in order.

The New York Times - Food

"It just helps me keep things in order".

The New York Times - Arts

"I seldom put, and never keep, things in order," she tells Jane.

The New York Times - Health

He is in charge, patrolling the house to keep things in order.

The New York Times

Constable felt he had to always keep things in order for his family.

The Guardian - Arts

So a director, a conductor, was put there, to keep things in order".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Mostly, it was the nurses who kept things in order.

The New Yorker

That can help then figure out what to prioritize and delegate and provides an overview of everything that needs to be done in order to keep things in working order.

TechCrunch

Fulfullment of such needs is shortsighted in the extreme, to the extent that they marginalize the very people we require to keep things in working order.

The New York Times

These days, I do more than my best to keep things in good order, consistent with costs, including letting the occasional struggling writer in need of quiet space to finish his "Moby-Dick" or some frail soul in retirement from love stay free in return for simple indoor repairs.

The New Yorker

For the first time, I understood that he was the only one of us who preserved the hours and the days, whose memory could keep things in chronological order, and that he would remember her better than any of us would.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep things in order", ensure the context clearly indicates what 'things' refers to. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "keep things in order" as a generic statement. Instead of saying "It's important to keep things in order", specify what needs to be organized, such as "It's important to keep the files in order".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep things in order" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of maintaining a systematic or organized state. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, from managing household chores to overseeing professional environments, aligning with Ludwig AI general correctness assessment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

11%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep things in order" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies the act of maintaining organization or structure. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability across various contexts. While often appearing in news and media, its usage extends to wiki sources and other professional settings. Remember to use the phrase in contexts where the 'things' being ordered are clear to ensure effective communication. Consider alternatives like "maintain order" or "ensure organization" to add nuance to your writing. Finally, avoid vagueness; specify what needs to be ordered to maximize clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain order

Focuses on the act of preserving an existing state of order.

ensure organization

Emphasizes the act of making sure that something is organized.

maintain a system

Highlights the upkeep of a pre-existing structure or routine.

preserve structure

Underscores the preservation of a framework or arrangement.

uphold regulations

Specifies maintaining order within a set of rules or guidelines.

enforce discipline

Implies using authority to keep things controlled.

keep everything running smoothly

Focuses on preventing disruptions and ensuring efficiency.

oversee management

Highlights the supervision and control aspects of keeping order.

administer affairs

Refers to the management of activities, often in a formal context.

keep the peace

Focuses on preventing conflict and maintaining harmony.

FAQs

How can I use "keep things in order" in a sentence?

You can use "keep things in order" to describe maintaining organization. For example, "The manager's role is to "keep things in order" in the office."

What is a synonym for "keep things in order"?

Alternatives to "keep things in order" include phrases like "maintain order", "ensure organization", or "maintain a system".

Is it better to say "keep things in order" or "maintained things in order"?

The choice depends on the context. "Keep things in order" suggests an ongoing effort, while "maintained things in order" implies a past action. For example: "They "keep things in order" daily" versus "They "kept things in order" yesterday".

What's the difference between "keep things in order" and "organize things"?

"Keep things in order" implies maintaining an existing state of organization, whereas "organize things" suggests creating order from chaos. For example, "organize things" is an action before you "keep things in order".