keep upright

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep upright" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when giving instructions or advice about maintaining an object in a vertical position. Example: "Please ensure to keep upright the fragile vase while transporting it to avoid any damage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

It was hard to keep upright.

The Guardian

Easier to wash up - and keep upright - than wine glasses.

The Guardian

I struggled somewhat to keep upright against the heavy downward drag.

The Guardian

These are usually the kids with violins or cellos who struggle to keep upright when the train is moving.

The New York Times

It was packed in a plastic tub, topped with ice, and loaded into a cardboard box marked "Left Kidney — Donated Human Organ/Tissue for Transplant — Keep Upright".

The New York Times - Health

The weight of the equipment makes it much harder to keep upright in the air and skis stop you looking over the edge before you leap.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Theresa is 86, diminutive and half-blind, and keeps upright by grasping a tall staff.

The New York Times - Magazine

A support stand means it can be kept upright or hung, and it has a USB slot if winding isn't your thing.

Independent

Basically, she said, the chest should be kept upright and the muscles completely tensed "but without looking like you've been stabbed".

The New York Times

The standing-up dead man in the yellow suit – kept upright by some kind of rigor mortis or final act of will – is an invention of pure horror.

The Guardian - Film

Is it so undemocratic that a Malcolm Gladwell book be kept in a library, where it is bound between two covers and kept upright on a shelf?

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep upright" in instructions, provide clear visual cues or diagrams to ensure the instruction is easily understood, especially when dealing with fragile items or liquids.

Common error

Avoid using "keep upright" when a more specific term like "store vertically" or "maintain balance" would provide clearer direction in the given context. Choose the phrasing that most accurately reflects the intended action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep upright" functions primarily as an instruction or directive. It is used to advise or command someone to maintain something in a vertical position. Ludwig AI confirms this through various examples where the phrase is used in instructional contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep upright" is a grammatically correct and usable instruction to maintain verticality, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not exceedingly common, it appears across diverse sources, including news, wikis, and scientific documents. Its primary function is directive, aimed at ensuring stability and preventing damage. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and specificity. Consider more precise alternatives like "maintain vertical" when appropriate. This instruction often involves specific handling instructions, particularly for fragile or sensitive objects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain vertical

Focuses on the orientation of something, emphasizing a strictly vertical position.

hold steady

Highlights stability and preventing movement or toppling.

remain erect

Implies a sustained state of being upright, often used in more formal contexts.

stay balanced

Emphasizes the equilibrium required to avoid falling.

prevent toppling

Specifically addresses the act of something falling over, focusing on prevention.

ensure stability

Highlights the act of guaranteeing a steady condition.

preserve balance

Emphasizes the act of safeguarding an equilibrium.

stand firm

Suggests resisting external forces to remain upright, often in a metaphorical sense.

sustain uprightness

Focuses on prolonging the state of being vertical, highlighting duration.

keep verticality

Emphasizes the act of conserving the vertical nature or aspect.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep upright" when providing instructions on how to handle something to maintain its vertical position. For example, "Keep upright when in use to prevent liquids running inside the shaft of the pipette."

What's the difference between "keep upright" and "maintain vertical"?

"Keep upright" is more commonly used in everyday language, while "maintain vertical" is more formal and often used in technical or scientific contexts. Both phrases instruct to maintain something in a vertical position.

What can I say instead of "keep upright"?

Alternatives to "keep upright" include "hold steady", "maintain vertical", or "remain erect", depending on the context and the level of formality required.

Is it always necessary to specify "keep upright" when handling certain objects?

No, specifying "keep upright" is only necessary when the object is prone to tipping or when its functionality depends on maintaining a vertical position, such as with certain scientific instruments or during shipping of fragile items.