keeping a low profile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keeping a low profile" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone who is avoiding attention, withdrawing from a situation, or is trying not to draw too much attention to themselves. For example, "He has been keeping a low profile since the scandal broke out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Publicly, Israel is keeping a low profile.

The New York Times

French keeping a low profile.

The Guardian - Sport

Berard is keeping a low profile.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was keeping a low profile, anyway.

The Guardian - Film

Keeping a Low Profile in Tampa He has no hobbies.

The New York Times

But the muse of imagination is keeping a low profile.

The New York Times

But they are keeping a low profile about it.

The New York Times

Solomon spent nearly four months keeping a low profile.

The Guardian

Heredia, 33, of Laredo, Tex., was keeping a low profile.

The New York Times - Sports

But keeping a low profile is not confined to S4C.

The Guardian

He has been keeping a low profile lately.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keeping a low profile" when you want to convey that someone is intentionally avoiding attention, whether to protect themselves, avoid scrutiny, or simply remain private.

Common error

Don't use "keeping a low profile" when someone's lack of visibility is unintentional. The phrase implies a deliberate choice to avoid attention, not simply being overlooked or forgotten.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeping a low profile" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically used as a predicate to describe the action of someone or something deliberately avoiding attention. Ludwig examples show its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiomatic expression "keeping a low profile" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe someone or something intentionally avoiding attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, as proven by Ludwig's examples, it conveys a deliberate act of remaining unnoticed, whether to avoid scrutiny, seek privacy, or minimize public awareness. While alternatives like "lying low" or "maintaining a discreet presence" exist, "keeping a low profile" strikes a balance between formality and accessibility, making it a versatile choice for various communication contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoiding attention

Directly states the act of preventing notice.

lying low

Implies a temporary withdrawal from activity to avoid detection or trouble.

keeping a low visibility

Focuses on reducing how easily someone or something can be seen or noticed.

remaining inconspicuous

Highlights the act of not being easily noticeable.

flying under the radar

Suggests operating without being detected or monitored.

maintaining a discreet presence

Focuses on being present without attracting undue notice.

staying out of the limelight

Emphasizes avoiding public attention and fame.

staying out of sight

Highlights the act of physically not being seen.

going unnoticed

Emphasizes the result of not being observed or detected.

being unobtrusive

Highlights the quality of not being pushy or noticeable.

FAQs

How can I use "keeping a low profile" in a sentence?

You can use "keeping a low profile" to describe someone or something that is avoiding attention. For instance, "After the scandal, the CEO was "keeping a low profile"."

What's a more formal alternative to "keeping a low profile"?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "maintaining a discreet presence" or "remaining inconspicuous".

Is "keeping a low profile" suitable for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "keeping a low profile" is generally more appropriate for news, media, or informal contexts. Academic writing might benefit from more formal alternatives.

What does it mean to say someone is "lying low" instead of "keeping a low profile"?

The phrase "lying low" is very similar to "keeping a low profile", both imply avoiding attention; however, "lying low" often suggests a temporary measure to avoid potential trouble, while "keeping a low profile" can also indicate a desire for privacy or humility.