keep up the pace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep up the pace" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It implies that one should maintain their current level of speed, work ethic, effort, etc. For example, you could use it in a professional context like: "We need to keep up the pace if we want to meet our project deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Will It Keep Up The Pace?

Forbes

Keep up the pace.

WikiHow

But of course they won't keep up the pace.

The New Yorker

How long can Levante keep up the pace with Real Madrid and Barcelona lurking close behind?

The New York Times

There were problems, she added, getting Greek civil servants to keep up the pace.

The New York Times - Sports

That latter clause will eventually change if they keep up the pace.

The Guardian - Sport

ForIn the second week, I couldn't keep up the pace and wrote only one a day.

The Guardian

Usain Bolt would not be able to keep up the pace.

The Guardian

They did not have enough fuel to keep up the pace, or finish the race.

The New York Times - Sports

Can he keep up the pace against Kansas City this evening?

The Guardian - Sport

He likes to keep up the pace of a film unlike any director I've met.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep up the pace" when you want to encourage someone to maintain their current level of performance or speed. For example, in a project setting, you might say: "To meet the deadline, we need to keep up the pace."

Common error

Avoid using "keep up the pace" when referring to a short-term, unsustainable burst of activity. Instead, use it to encourage a consistent, manageable effort over a longer period. Don't say "We need to keep up the pace with these all-nighters," as that's not sustainable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep up the pace" functions primarily as a directive or exhortation. It is used to encourage someone to maintain a current level of activity, speed, or progress. This is confirmed by Ludwig's examples, which show the phrase used in contexts ranging from sports to business.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep up the pace" is a versatile phrase used to encourage the continuation of a current level of activity or progress. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and very commonly used, particularly in News & Media. Its primary function is directive and motivational, suitable for neutral registers. While there are numerous alternatives like "maintain the speed" or "sustain the momentum", it's important to use it appropriately, avoiding application to unsustainable, short-term bursts of effort. The phrase enjoys high usage frequency and is supported by authoritative sources, making it a reliable choice in a variety of contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain the speed

Focuses on maintaining a specific speed, implying a consistent rate of progress.

sustain the momentum

Emphasizes maintaining forward movement and progress.

continue the rhythm

Highlights the continuation of a regular or recurring pattern.

persevere

Implies continuing despite difficulties, with a focus on effort and persistence.

keep the ball rolling

Idiomatic expression suggesting the continuation of an activity or project.

stay on track

Focuses on maintaining progress towards a goal.

hold steady

Suggests maintaining a consistent state or position.

press on

Emphasizes continuing forward with determination.

advance steadily

Highlights continuous and consistent progress.

forge ahead

Implies making progress despite obstacles, with a focus on overcoming challenges.

FAQs

How can I use "keep up the pace" in a sentence?

You can use "keep up the pace" to encourage someone to maintain their current level of performance or speed. For example, "The team needs to "keep up the pace" to meet the project's deadline."

What's a good alternative to "keep up the pace"?

Alternatives include "maintain the speed", "sustain the momentum", or "continue the rhythm" depending on the context.

Is "keep up the pace" formal or informal?

"Keep up the pace" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, you might prefer a more sophisticated alternative such as "sustain the momentum".

When should I avoid using "keep up the pace"?

Avoid using "keep up the pace" when referring to short-term, unsustainable efforts. It's more appropriate for encouraging consistent, manageable effort over a longer period.