keeping up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keeping up" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone maintaining their efforts, participating in an activity, or to indicate perseverance and resilience. For example, "The runner was determined to keep up with the other competitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Keeping up is exhausting.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Keeping up?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Keeping up so far?

The Guardian - Film

Trouble keeping up with her calories?

The New Yorker

I watch "Keeping Up With the Kardashians".

The New York Times

Weingarten is just not keeping up".

The New York Times

"In Vancouver, I was barely keeping up.

The New York Times - Sports

Keeping up is a constant challenge.

The New York Times

Keeping up originality can be hard work.

The Economist

"We knew we weren't keeping up".

The New Yorker

And I'm not keeping up".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keeping up" to describe the act of staying current with trends, information, or developments in a particular field or area.

Common error

Avoid using "keeping up" in contexts where maintaining pace or staying informed isn't relevant. For example, don't say "He's keeping up with his chores" when "He's doing his chores" is more direct and appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeping up" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. It describes the action of maintaining a certain level, pace, or standard. Ludwig examples show it modifying verbs and indicating ongoing activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keeping up" is a versatile and frequently used gerund phrase that signifies the action of maintaining pace, progress, or a certain standard. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings, it conveys the ongoing effort to stay current or maintain a level. Remember to use it appropriately, and consider alternatives like "maintaining pace" or "staying abreast" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keeping pace

Similar to maintaining pace, but with a slight emphasis on matching a specific speed or progress.

maintaining pace

Focuses on maintaining a consistent speed or progress.

staying abreast

Emphasizes staying informed about recent developments.

remaining current

Highlights the aspect of staying up-to-date with the latest information.

keeping informed

Focuses on staying knowledgeable about relevant topics.

maintaining appearances

Highlights the act of presenting a certain image or facade.

staying in touch

Emphasizes maintaining contact or communication with others.

progressing steadily

Focuses on making consistent progress over time.

preserving momentum

Emphasizes continuing forward with existing energy or force.

sustaining efforts

Highlights the ongoing commitment and energy needed to maintain progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "keeping up" to describe maintaining pace, progress, or appearances. For example: "It's challenging "maintaining pace" with technological advancements."

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "keeping up"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "keeping up" include "staying abreast", "keeping pace", or "remaining current".

Is it correct to say "keep up" instead of "keeping up"?

While "keep up" is a related phrase, it functions differently. "Keep up" is often used as an imperative (e.g., "Keep up the good work!"), while "keeping up" is a gerund or present participle, often used as a noun or part of a continuous verb tense.

What's the difference between "keeping up" and "catching up"?

"Keeping up" implies maintaining a current level or pace, while "catching up" means reaching the current level after falling behind. If someone says, "I'm "staying in touch"", they're actively maintaining a connection. If they say "I'm catching up", they're trying to restore contact.