keep true

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep true" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward in some contexts.
It can be used when referring to maintaining honesty or fidelity to a principle or promise. Example: "In our relationship, we must always keep true to our commitments and trust each other."

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

"We wanted to help people keep true to their promises to themselves," Elan says.

University of California, Berkeley

"How do you keep true to the things you say?" Ms. Sanchez says.

The New York Times

Nevertheless we have to keep true to what we are and what we do.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

How can we keep true to ourselves and remain authentic whilst trying to deeply understand the life of another?

Stanford University

Red, difficult to keep true when it is fired at high temperature, doesn't appear until the 19th century.

The Economist

In everything he did, Harry would keep true to his motto, POSH – Patience, Optimism and a Sense of Humour.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

And I have kept true to that".

The Guardian - Sport

"She's kept true to the people who have kept true to her," agrees Kwasi Fordjour, creative coordinator.

The Guardian - Music

For the next 37 years, until his death in 1967, he kept true to this point of view.

The New York Times

It has stuck to its guns and kept true to its catchphrase: "Fashion and quality at the best price".

Independent

CUNY has a broad mission to educate "the children of the whole people" and has kept true to the mission.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep true", consider the context and audience. While grammatically correct, it may sound somewhat formal or old-fashioned in casual conversation. "Stay true" might be a better alternative.

Common error

Avoid using "keep true" in very informal or casual settings. It can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for alternatives like "stay true" or "be yourself" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep true" functions primarily as a directive or exhortation, urging someone to maintain fidelity to principles, values, or a specific commitment. It often appears in contexts where maintaining authenticity or consistency is emphasized. Ludwig shows examples in academic, news and wiki domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep true" is an expression that signifies maintaining loyalty, consistency, and fidelity to one's principles or commitments. While grammatically sound, it's worth noting, as Ludwig AI suggests, that the more common alternative is "stay true". The analysis reveals that the phrase appears across various contexts, including news, academia, and general online content, denoting a neutral register. While "keep true" isn't incorrect, writers should be mindful of its formality and consider the more contemporary "stay true" for increased versatility. Remember to maintain authenticity and uphold your principles, whichever phrase you choose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay true

A more common and slightly more versatile synonym.

remain true

Emphasizes the continuation of truth or fidelity over time.

stay authentic

Focuses on maintaining genuineness and originality.

remain authentic

Highlights the ongoing state of being genuine.

uphold one's principles

Stresses the act of maintaining moral or ethical standards.

adhere to one's values

Emphasizes commitment to personal beliefs and morals.

be faithful

Highlights loyalty and trustworthiness.

honor one's commitments

Focuses on fulfilling obligations and promises.

stand by one's word

Implies reliability and integrity in keeping promises.

be consistent with

Highlights alignment with a previous behavior.

FAQs

What does it mean to "keep true" to something?

To "keep true" to something means to remain loyal, faithful, or consistent with it. It implies upholding principles, values, or promises despite challenges or temptations to deviate.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "keep true"?

Some alternatives to "keep true" include "stay true", "remain authentic", or "uphold one's principles", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more common to say "keep true" or "stay true"?

"Stay true" is generally more common and widely used than "keep true". While both are grammatically correct, "stay true" has a more contemporary and versatile feel.

How can I use "keep true" in a sentence?

You can use "keep true" in sentences like: "It's important to keep true to your values, even when facing difficult decisions" or "The company strives to keep true to its mission of providing affordable healthcare".