keep well

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep well" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used as a form of polite farewell, typically when a person is leaving another person's home or company. For example, Mary said goodbye to the party guests with a cheerful, "Keep well!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Keep well mulched.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Keep well, dear friend".

The Guardian - Books

How do you keep well?

The New Yorker

Keep well watered until germination.

The New York Times - Style

Morality did not keep well......

The New Yorker

They keep well and can be frozen.

The New York Times - Food

I keep well below the radar".

The New Yorker

Leftovers keep well for a few days.

The New York Times

Keep well covered in the refrigerator.

The New York Times - Health

It will keep well for a week.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Leave a paper trail, i.e., keep well-annotated records of your model-fitting efforts.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep well" as a polite and warm farewell, especially when you know the person has been dealing with health issues or facing challenges. It adds a personal touch to your goodbye.

Common error

Avoid using "keep well" as a substitute for specific medical advice. While it is a kind expression, it should not replace professional healthcare recommendations. For instance, saying "Just keep well" isn't helpful if someone needs to see a doctor or follow a treatment plan.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep well" functions primarily as an interjection or valediction, expressing a wish for someone's continued health and well-being, often used when parting ways. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, highlighting its role as a polite farewell.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

32%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep well" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used as a polite expression of goodwill, especially when parting ways. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a warm way to wish someone good health and overall well-being. Its usage is most frequent in News & Media and Wiki sources, but it appears across various contexts. While generally neutral in register, it can be considered slightly informal. When using the phrase, remember that it's a valediction and should not replace professional medical advice. Consider alternatives like "take care" or "be well" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be well

A simple and direct wish for someone's well-being, more concise than the original phrase.

stay healthy

Focuses specifically on maintaining good health, lacking the broader implications of general well-being.

remain in good health

A more formal and emphatic way of expressing the desire for someone to maintain their health.

take care of yourself

Emphasizes self-care, often used when parting ways, and encompasses a wider range of well-being aspects.

look after yourself

Similar to 'take care of yourself', but slightly less direct and common in certain dialects.

farewell and be healthy

Combines a farewell with a specific wish for the recipient's health.

wish you good health

A direct expression of wanting someone to be healthy, often used in formal contexts.

stay safe and healthy

Adds an element of safety to the well-wishing, implying concern for potential dangers.

maintain your well-being

A more formal expression related to overall well-being, not just physical health.

preserve your health

Suggests an active effort to keep one's health in its current state, often used in a more serious context.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep well" as a polite way to say goodbye, especially when someone is going through a difficult time. For example, you might say, "It was lovely seeing you; "keep well"!"

What's the difference between "keep well" and "be well"?

"Be well" is a more general and shorter way of wishing someone good health or well-being. "Keep well" implies a wish for the person to actively maintain their health and well-being over time. While both are polite, ""keep well"" is often considered warmer and more caring.

What can I say instead of "keep well"?

Alternatives to "keep well" include "take care", "stay healthy", or "look after yourself". The best choice depends on the context and your relationship with the person.

Is it appropriate to use "keep well" in professional emails?

While ""keep well"" is generally acceptable, it might be more appropriate in informal professional communications. For formal emails, consider using "take care" or a more direct closing like "Sincerely" or "Best regards".