keep up the spirits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep up the spirits" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when encouraging someone to maintain a positive attitude or morale, especially during challenging times. Example: "Even though the project is facing delays, we need to keep up the spirits of the team to ensure everyone stays motivated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

One of the hardest challenges for MSF and the hotel staff is trying to keep up the spirits of the refugees.

Vice

To end the day and keep up the spirits, the two would listen to podcasts there was one by a German comedian named Jan Böhmermann they particularly enjoyed.

Vice

But Rouhani also needed to keep up the spirits of Iranian civil society by waging an uphill battle against mismanagement, corruption and the violation of human rights, which have all contributed to the decline of Iranian diplomacy.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The music was crucial in rallying support and the songs kept up the spirit of the marchers.

The Guardian - Music

"People are trying to keep up the spirit.

The New York Times

Environmental campaign groups, as well as some businesses, investors and academics said the meeting in Marrakesh must keep up the spirit of international support for climate action.

Huffington Post

The need for support from someone who can motivate and keep up the spirit of exercising was identified, or as one woman described her situation: "I would personally need somebody helping with the chores or go to a health camp Somali Biggest Losers".

BMC Women's Health

While bombs fell on London, Churchill kept up the spirits of his countrymen with a series of inspirational radio addresses.

Huffington Post

You need a lot of stamina to dance (not walk) in costume for hours on cobblestone streets in inclement weather and still keep up the high spirits that the crowds come to see!

Huffington Post

But it soon becomes clear that Laika is the main instigator, as she tries to keep up the kids' spirits by telling jokes and hugging them.

Unicef

Who neglected to care and keep up the true spirit of Christmas and Easter?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep up the spirits" to encourage a group facing adversity, highlighting the importance of maintaining a positive attitude despite challenges.

Common error

While "keep up the spirits" is widely understood, it can sound somewhat informal in highly professional settings. Consider using more formal alternatives like "maintain morale" or "bolster confidence" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep up the spirits" functions as an idiomatic expression used to encourage or motivate individuals or groups to maintain a positive attitude, especially when facing difficulties. Ludwig confirms the phrase's correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep up the spirits" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for encouraging positivity, especially during difficult times. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and general usability. While generally neutral, consider more formal alternatives in professional contexts. It's predominantly found in News & Media and science-related articles, aiming to inspire hope and perseverance. Related phrases include "boost morale" and "lift spirits".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

boost morale

Focuses specifically on improving the overall mood and confidence of a group.

lift spirits

Implies raising someone's mood from a low point.

maintain morale

Emphasizes the act of sustaining a positive attitude over time.

encourage optimism

Highlights the fostering of a positive outlook.

sustain hope

Focuses on preserving a feeling of expectation and desire for a positive outcome.

foster positivity

Implies actively cultivating a positive environment or attitude.

bolster confidence

Specifically refers to strengthening belief in one's abilities or qualities.

uplift mood

Directly addresses improving someone's emotional state.

inspire hope

Focuses on instilling a sense of optimism and expectation.

cheer up

A more informal way of saying to make someone feel happier.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep up the spirits" to encourage a group or individual to maintain a positive attitude during a difficult time. For example, "Despite the setbacks, we need to "keep up the spirits" and continue working hard".

What can I say instead of "keep up the spirits"?

You can use alternatives like "boost morale", "lift spirits", or "maintain morale" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "kept up the spirits"?

Yes, "kept up the spirits" is the past tense form of the phrase and is grammatically correct. It indicates that someone successfully maintained a positive attitude in the past.

What's the difference between "keep up the spirits" and "keep the spirit up"?

While both phrases are similar, "keep up the spirits" usually refers to maintaining the general mood and morale of a group. "Keep the spirit up" is more about sustaining a particular enthusiasm or attitude related to an activity or cause.