keep your nerve

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep your nerve" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to encourage someone to remain calm and focused in a challenging or stressful situation. For example: "During the important presentation, remember to keep your nerve and deliver your points confidently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Keep your nerve, Bart Noordam and Patricia Gosling advise.

Nature

My message to them is clear – keep your nerve, keep investing, and keep talking to us.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's difficult enough trying to keep your nerve in normal circumstances," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

Penalties are about technique but you also have to keep your nerve, so Van Gaal's psychological trick worked a treat.

The Guardian - Sport

"There is no short cut, you've got to make pilots, invest in talent and keep your nerve," he says.

The Guardian

Two metal walkways cross arms as they reach out into giddy nothingness, and you need to keep your nerve if you intend to walk the full 42 feet to the end of each, especially when it wobbles.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Expect instead to say hello to cold, greasy Chinese food, candy, old fried chicken, cigarettes when you don't even smoke, anything to keep your nerves under control.

The New York Times - Style

As Torp indicated, such explicit scrutiny can be unnerving and in a job interview, you need to keep your nerves.

Science Magazine

If you think you cannot control your nerves try to keep your mind busy during the test.

WikiHow

You can rest your pinched nerve and still keep your blood pumping.

WikiHow

"Really it's as long as your body keeps going and your nerve keeps going.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep your nerve" when advising someone to stay calm and focused during a difficult or pressure-filled situation, such as a performance, negotiation, or crisis. It is particularly useful when the individual needs to maintain composure to succeed.

Common error

Avoid using "keep your nerves" instead of "keep your nerve". The phrase refers to maintaining a singular sense of courage or composure, not managing multiple anxieties. For instance, say "You need to "keep your nerve" in this situation", not "You need to keep your nerves in this situation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep your nerve" functions as an imperative, urging someone to maintain composure and courage in a challenging situation. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase. Its function is to provide encouragement and advice.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science & Research

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep your nerve" is an imperative expression used to encourage someone to remain calm and composed in a challenging situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. While not extremely common, it appears frequently enough in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, to be recognized and understood. Alternatives like "remain calm" or "stay composed" offer similar meanings, but "keep your nerve" specifically highlights the importance of maintaining courage under pressure. Remember to use "nerve" (singular) rather than "nerves" to maintain grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold your composure

Emphasizes the act of maintaining one's self-control, particularly when facing challenges.

stay composed

Implies maintaining a dignified and controlled demeanor, often in formal settings.

keep a cool head

Highlights the importance of clear thinking and rational decision-making in stressful situations.

remain calm

Focuses on maintaining a state of tranquility, applicable in a broader range of situations.

maintain self-control

Stresses the importance of regulating one's emotions and actions.

stay resilient

Highlights the ability to recover quickly from difficulties or setbacks.

don't panic

A direct exhortation to avoid fear and disarray, often used in emergencies.

stand firm

Suggests resilience and unwavering resolve in the face of adversity.

persevere

Implies continuing steadfastly despite obstacles or discouragement.

be patient

Focuses on enduring delays or frustrations without agitation.

FAQs

How can I use "keep your nerve" in a sentence?

You can use "keep your nerve" to advise someone to remain calm and composed during a stressful situation. For example: "During the presentation, try to "keep your nerve" and speak clearly."

What does it mean to "keep your nerve"?

To ""keep your nerve"" means to maintain courage, composure, and control in a challenging or frightening situation. It suggests an ability to remain calm and focused despite pressure or stress.

What are some alternative phrases for "keep your nerve"?

Some alternatives to ""keep your nerve"" include "remain calm", "stay composed", and "hold your composure". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it better to say "keep your nerve" or "keep your nerves"?

"Keep your nerve" is the correct and idiomatic expression. "Keep your nerves" is grammatically incorrect in this context, as it refers to maintaining courage or composure (a singular concept), not managing multiple anxieties.