keep whole

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep whole" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to maintaining the integrity or completeness of something. For example: "Please keep the document whole and do not tear any pages." Alternative expressions include "maintain intact" and "preserve entire."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Such feedback loops are common in living things, and have even been postulated to keep whole planets on the straight and narrow.

The Economist

A WEDDING IN DAGESTAN "The cooks seemed to keep whole sheep and whole cows boiling in a cauldron somewhere day and night, dumping dis- jointed fragments of the carcass on the tables whenever someone entered the room..

The New York Times

Considering various types of data representation and processing, it has been decided to keep whole 3D information, although for a purpose of analysis of single, directional point cloud the range image representation would suffice.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Finally: Ellie loves to keep whole grains in her pantry.

Huffington Post

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Vice

Still others keep whole menageries around, furry and winged and otherwise.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

It is important to keep whole-body PET-CT in practice in the management of H&N cancers.

Cancer Imaging

But the Friendfeed team is not being kept whole.

TechCrunch

Pretty much just this -- to be kept whole.

Huffington Post

The result is a police practice that essentially keeps whole locales and minority groups in everyday opposition to law enforcement.

Vice

Two items will measure bodily integrity (e.g. "The body should be kept whole for burial").

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep whole", consider the specific context and whether a more precise verb like "preserve", "maintain", or "retain" would better convey your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "keep whole" when referring to abstract concepts or ideas that cannot be physically kept intact. In such cases, consider alternatives like "maintain" or "preserve".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep whole" functions as a verb phrase, where "keep" acts as a transitive verb and "whole" functions as an adjective describing the state of the object being kept. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

26%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Encyclopedias

9%

Reference

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep whole" functions as a verb phrase that signifies maintaining the completeness or integrity of something. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound. It appears in a range of contexts, including news, science, and general reference, indicating a neutral register. While the phrase may not be as common as its alternatives, it offers a clear and concise way to express the idea of preserving something in its original state. Consider using more specific verbs like "preserve" or "maintain" when the context requires greater precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain intact

Focuses on preserving something in its original condition without damage or alteration.

preserve entire

Emphasizes keeping something complete and without any missing parts.

retain complete

Highlights holding onto something in its full state.

hold undivided

Stresses maintaining something as a single, unbroken unit.

safeguard fully

Emphasizes protecting something to ensure it remains complete and unharmed.

conserve wholly

Focuses on careful management to prevent loss or damage of something in its entirety.

sustain unbroken

Highlights the ability to maintain something continuously without interruption or fragmentation.

uphold complete

Stresses supporting something to ensure it remains in its full and original state.

protect entirely

Emphasizes shielding something from harm to keep it fully intact.

ensure wholeness

Focuses on guaranteeing the integrity and completeness of something.

FAQs

What does "keep whole" mean?

"Keep whole" means to maintain something in its complete or original state, without any parts missing or damaged. It emphasizes preservation and integrity.

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

You can use "keep whole" to describe the act of preserving the integrity of an object or concept. For example, "It's important to keep the document whole and not tear any pages."

What are some alternatives to "keep whole"?

Alternatives to "keep whole" include "maintain intact", "preserve entire", or "retain complete", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "keep whole"?

While generally correct, "keep whole" is most suitable for tangible items or concepts where physical integrity is relevant. For abstract ideas, consider using terms like "maintain" or "preserve" for greater accuracy.