keeping things running

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keeping things running" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to maintaining operations, processes, or systems effectively. Example: "The IT department is crucial for keeping things running smoothly in the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The first episode also rolled straight into the last ever episode of The IT Crowd, another show focused on abrasive backroom staff charged with keeping things running smoothly.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Alternatively, if you approach your venture focused on not losing everything you've worked so hard for, on avoiding danger and keeping things running smoothly, you have a prevention focus.

Harvard Business Review

As a graduate student instructor at Berkeley, I realized that while there may be a bag of tricks for keeping things running smoothly in the classroom, there is no instant solution to the problem of students starting out with very different levels of familiarity with the material.

University of California, Berkeley

Waffle House is known for keeping things running.

Forbes

They excel when it comes to keeping things running smoothly.

Forbes

Keeping things running smoothly while you are away should be an item on your preparation list.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

As Heseltine's biographer Michael Crick noted in the mid-1990s, it was somewhat ironic that "a man who spent years arguing in government for the efficient running of departments and keeping things in check actually ran a totally chaotic business".

The Guardian

Gautier worked hard during practices, swim meets and water polo games, but also was known for keeping things light, often with a running commentary, Lambert said.

Los Angeles Times

Keeping things interesting The play sessions in Dar-es-Salaam run six days a week, and the number of children turning up is increasing daily.

Unicef

The child was running the store, keeping things a mess and holding me back.

Forbes

"In order for our team to go to the next level, we need more from Nicole -- helping us run our offense, keeping things going and being a strong defender".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "keeping things running", ensure the context clearly indicates what 'things' refers to. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "keeping things running" without specifying what 'things' are. Vague references can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeping things running" functions as a verbal phrase, often acting as part of a larger clause or sentence. It describes the action of maintaining operational continuity. Ludwig AI confirms its usage is correct and understandable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keeping things running" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of maintaining operations or processes effectively. Ludwig AI indicates that its usage is appropriate across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, it also appears in Academic and Business settings, indicating a neutral register. Alternatives include "maintaining operations", "ensuring functionality", and "sustaining performance". When using the phrase, it's important to specify what 'things' refers to in order to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintaining operations

Focuses on the act of keeping a business or system functional.

ensuring functionality

Highlights the importance of guaranteeing that something continues to work properly.

sustaining performance

Emphasizes the continuation of a certain level of output or achievement.

preserving continuity

Stresses the unbroken and consistent flow of processes.

managing processes

Focuses on overseeing and controlling how things are done.

facilitating workflow

Highlights the act of making it easier for work to progress smoothly.

supporting infrastructure

Emphasizes providing necessary resources and systems for smooth operation.

overseeing logistics

Focuses on managing the detailed organization and implementation of complex operations.

supervising execution

Highlights the act of monitoring and directing the carrying out of a plan or process.

driving progress

Emphasizes the act of propelling forward development and advancement

FAQs

How can I use "keeping things running" in a sentence?

You can use "keeping things running" to describe maintaining operations, like, "The IT department is essential for "keeping things running" smoothly."

What are some alternatives to "keeping things running"?

Alternatives include "maintaining operations", "ensuring functionality", or "sustaining performance", depending on the context.

Is "keeping things running" formal or informal?

The phrase "keeping things running" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both professional and informal contexts.

What does it mean to say someone is "keeping things running"?

It typically means they are managing or maintaining systems, processes, or operations to ensure they continue functioning effectively.