keeping in check

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keeping in check" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of controlling or restraining something, often to prevent it from becoming excessive or problematic. Example: "The manager implemented new policies for keeping in check employee productivity and ensuring that deadlines are met."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

The halting phrases of the song suggest the overwhelming emotion Desirée is just keeping in check.

The New York Times

It's our way of keeping in check people who have shown too much hubris.

Princeton University

His speech is both crisp and molten, as if its stately cadences were keeping in check a naturally flowing passion.

The New York Times

Dining out is the one I sometimes have trouble keeping in check, but for you it might be your iTunes habit or something else.

The New York Times

"Declare martial law," he murmurs in a voice that implies how much wanton anger he's keeping in check; his larynx quavers with the effort.

The New York Times

Organ transplant recipients are treated with powerful immune suppression drugs to prevent them from rejecting transplanted organs, but the drugs also leave the recipients highly vulnerable to any infections that the donor's immune system may have been keeping in check.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

As legislators struggle to keep pace with technology, experts say the industry needs to take a more active role in keeping things in check.

MIT Technology Review

The weak economy is keeping prices in check.

The New York Times

"They do so much, keeping society in check.

The New York Times

Kidd and Terry were keeping Paul in check.

The New York Times - Sports

Keeping sprawl in check has become a New Jersey mantra lately.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keeping in check" to convey the idea of maintaining control or preventing something from becoming excessive, especially when referring to abstract concepts like emotions, spending, or power.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "keeping in check" in your writing. While appropriate in many contexts, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "controlling", "restraining", or "managing" to add nuance and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeping in check" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, often used as part of a larger verb construction. It indicates an action of controlling, limiting, or restraining something to prevent it from becoming excessive or problematic. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase is actively used across various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

23%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keeping in check" is a versatile phrase used to describe the act of controlling or restraining something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, it's crucial to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "controlling", "restraining", or "managing" to maintain a varied and engaging writing style. By understanding its nuances and potential pitfalls, you can effectively use "keeping in check" to convey the desired meaning in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

controlling

Focuses more on the act of exercising power or authority to direct or regulate something.

restraining

Emphasizes the act of holding something back or preventing it from escalating or becoming excessive.

curbing

Suggests limiting or reducing something undesirable, like an impulse or activity.

containing

Implies preventing something from spreading or expanding, often used in the context of diseases or unrest.

managing

Focuses on the skillful handling or directing of something to achieve a desired outcome.

regulating

Suggests controlling something according to a set of rules or standards.

monitoring

Emphasizes the act of observing and tracking something to ensure it stays within acceptable limits.

supervising

Focuses on overseeing something to ensure it is done correctly and according to established procedures.

overseeing

Implies a broader level of responsibility for ensuring something is managed effectively.

moderating

Suggests a neutral and impartial control, often used in the context of discussions or debates.

FAQs

How can I use "keeping in check" in a sentence?

You can use "keeping in check" to describe the act of controlling or restraining something. For example, "The government is focused on "keeping inflation in check"" or "She was "keeping her emotions in check" during the difficult conversation."

What are some alternatives to "keeping in check"?

Some alternatives to "keeping in check" include "controlling", "restraining", "managing", and "curbing". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "keeping in check" formal or informal?

"Keeping in check" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or scientific writing, more precise or technical alternatives might be preferred.

What's the difference between "keeping in check" and "keeping under control"?

While similar, "keeping in check" often implies a more proactive and continuous effort to prevent something from becoming problematic, while "keeping under control" might suggest a more reactive approach to managing something that is already potentially out of hand. For example, you might focus on "keeping spending in check" to avoid debt, but focus on "keeping a situation under control" after a crisis has already started.