keeping it together

USAGE SUMMARY

"keeping it together" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where someone is managing their emotions or maintaining composure. Example: "Despite the chaos around her, she was keeping it together." Alternative expressions include "staying composed," "maintaining control," and "holding it together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Once someone's else life depends on you keeping it together, it's easier to keep it together.

The New York Times - Arts

Keeping it together.

The Guardian - Film

"And I'm working, keeping it together".

The New York Times

I'm not keeping it together.

The New Yorker

I was too focused on keeping it together".

The Guardian

Sandra Bullock plays the quietly devastated mom, keeping it together.

The Guardian - Film

It was a bigger risk keeping it together.

The New York Times - Sports

But keeping it together in terms of a group or a team is important.

The New York Times

Just count on our patience and poise and keeping it together".

The New York Times - Sports

They were the stoic dudes keeping it together to Prince's histrionic grace.

The New Yorker

It's his way of unconsciously keeping it together, keeping it contained.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keeping it together" when you want to convey the idea of someone maintaining control, composure, or functionality under pressure or in difficult circumstances. It's a versatile phrase applicable to personal, professional, and abstract situations.

Common error

While versatile, "keeping it together" can sound too informal in certain professional or academic settings. Opt for more formal alternatives like "maintaining composure" or "ensuring stability" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeping it together" functions as a verbal phrase, often part of a larger clause, describing an action or state of maintaining composure or stability. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Film

7%

Sports

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keeping it together" is a commonly used phrase that describes the act of maintaining composure or stability, often under difficult circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best to consider the formality of the setting, opting for alternatives like "maintaining composure" in more professional environments. Overall, the phrase is well-understood and effectively communicates resilience and perseverance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

holding it together

Suggests a more active effort to prevent oneself from breaking down or losing control.

staying composed

Emphasizes maintaining a calm and controlled demeanor, often in stressful situations.

maintaining composure

Highlights the act of preserving one's self-possession and calmness.

remaining calm

Focuses specifically on maintaining a state of calmness.

keeping calm

Similar to remaining calm but may imply an ongoing effort.

managing to cope

Emphasizes the ability to deal with problems and difficulties effectively.

maintaining stability

Stresses the preservation of a steady and balanced state.

staying afloat

Implies managing to survive or cope with difficult circumstances without failing.

holding firm

Indicates a strong and resolute stance in the face of adversity.

preventing collapse

Focuses on averting a breakdown or failure, often in a literal or figurative sense.

FAQs

How can I use "keeping it together" in a sentence?

You can use "keeping it together" to describe someone managing stress or maintaining composure. For example, "Despite the chaos, she was "keeping it together"."

What are some alternatives to "keeping it together"?

Alternatives include "staying composed", "maintaining composure", or "holding it together". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "keeping it together" appropriate for formal writing?

While widely understood, "keeping it together" is generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "maintaining stability" or "ensuring operational effectiveness".

What does it mean when someone says they are "keeping it together"?

It means they are making an effort to manage stress, maintain control, or prevent a breakdown, either emotionally or functionally. It suggests a situation where maintaining stability is challenging but necessary.