keeping up with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keeping up with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the effort of trying to maintain the same level or pace as something else (often another person or group). For example, "After graduating from college, I'm finding it difficult to keep up with my friends who are already working in the corporate world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Keeping Up With the Khans was an odd title.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Trouble keeping up with her calories?

The New Yorker

I watch "Keeping Up With the Kardashians".

The New York Times

Keeping up with Germany won't be easy.

The New York Times

"We are keeping up with the times".

The New York Times

"That's the keeping up with the Joneses.

The New York Times

ARE you keeping up with the Joneses?

The New York Times

Never mind keeping up with your neighbors.

The New York Times

"So he's keeping up with me, and I'm keeping up with him.

The New York Times - Sports

Keeping up with the Joneses becomes keeping up with their noses.

The New York Times

Keeping up with fortunes and different sets changed regularly.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keeping up with" in formal writing, ensure the context is appropriate, as it can sometimes sound informal. Consider alternatives like "remaining abreast of" for a more formal tone.

Common error

Avoid using "keeping up with" when a more precise verb would be appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "keeping up with data", you could say "analyzing data" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeping up with" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as part of a verb phrase. It indicates the action of maintaining pace or staying current with something or someone. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keeping up with" is a versatile prepositional phrase commonly used to express the effort of maintaining pace, staying current, or remaining informed. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it sees frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it can be adapted for more formal writing by choosing synonyms like "staying abreast of". Understanding the nuances and potential pitfalls discussed in the writing guidance ensures effective and precise usage of this common phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keeping up-to-date on

Focuses on staying current with the latest news or information.

keeping pace with

Emphasizes maintaining the same speed or rate as something else.

staying abreast of

Focuses on remaining informed and current, particularly with news or developments.

keeping informed about

Emphasizes staying knowledgeable about a particular subject.

remaining current with

Highlights the act of staying up-to-date with the latest information or trends.

tracking developments in

Highlights the act of monitoring changes and advancements in a specific area.

staying in touch with

Focuses on maintaining contact and awareness of someone or something.

keeping conversant with

Focuses on maintaining a knowledgeable understanding of a particular subject.

following closely

Implies careful observation and tracking of developments.

staying ahead of

Suggests anticipating future developments and preparing accordingly.

FAQs

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

You can use "keeping up with" to describe staying current with trends, people, or information. For example, "It's hard "staying abreast of" all the new social media platforms."

What are some alternatives to "keeping up with"?

Alternatives include "staying abreast of", "keeping pace with", or "remaining current with", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "keeping up with" or "staying up-to-date with"?

Both are acceptable, but "staying up-to-date with" might sound more formal. "Keeping up with" is generally suitable for everyday conversation and less formal writing.

What does it mean to be "keeping up with the Joneses"?

The idiom "keeping up with the Joneses" refers to the act of trying to match or exceed your neighbors' possessions or lifestyle, often leading to unnecessary spending.