kept pace with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept pace with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is maintaining the same speed or level of progress as another person or thing. Example: "The company has kept pace with technological advancements to remain competitive in the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mechanical innovation kept pace with design.

The New York Times

And Barbie kept pace with the times.

The New York Times - Arts

Since 2003 public investment has not kept pace with depreciation.

The Economist

BMW kept pace with its alluring 4 Series coupe.

The New York Times

Revenues have not kept pace with rising rents.

The Economist

But none of them kept pace with Massimo Cellino.

The Guardian - Sport

Safety regulations have not kept pace with the mining.

The New Yorker

Even so, the numbers haven't kept pace with demand.

The New York Times

Job creation has merely kept pace with population growth.

The New York Times

Regulations "have not kept pace with the explosion of research".

The New York Times

Funding, meanwhile, has not kept pace with demand.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "kept pace with", ensure that the subject you are describing is actively maintaining a level of progress or performance that is equal to or consistent with another entity. For instance, use it to describe how technology adapts to changing user needs.

Common error

Avoid using "kept pace with" when you simply mean 'followed' or 'observed'. The phrase indicates an active effort to maintain a consistent level, not just a passive observation or trailing behind.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept pace with" functions as a dynamic verb phrase, indicating an ongoing effort to maintain a similar level, speed, or rate of progress as something else. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kept pace with" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that indicates the maintenance of a similar level or rate of progress. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and frequently appears in contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business publications. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to remember that it implies an ongoing and active effort to maintain consistency or equivalence, which is a critical point in proper usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Kept up with

A more general and versatile synonym for maintaining the same level.

Maintained parity with

Focuses on equality of standing or development.

Remained on par with

Focuses on maintaining an equivalent level or standard.

Kept in step with

Implies moving forward together at the same rhythm or pace.

Matched the speed of

Highlights the ability to equal or go at the same rate.

Stayed abreast of

Emphasizes keeping up-to-date with current developments.

Mirrored the growth of

Refers to exhibiting similar patterns of increase or advancement.

Equaled the performance of

Stresses achieving the same level of outcome or productivity.

Followed closely behind

Means adhering to someone's steps but in second position.

Stood shoulder to shoulder with

Suggests unity and cooperation.

FAQs

How can I use "kept pace with" in a sentence?

You can use "kept pace with" to describe how something has maintained the same level or rate as something else. For example, "The company "kept pace with" the latest technological advancements".

What is a good alternative to "kept pace with"?

Alternatives to "kept pace with" include "kept up with", "stayed abreast of", or "maintained parity with", depending on the specific context.

What does it mean to say something "kept pace with" something else?

When something "kept pace with" something else, it means it maintained a similar speed, level, or rate of progress. It implies an ongoing effort to remain aligned or equivalent.

Is there a difference between "kept pace with" and "kept up with"?

While both phrases are similar, "kept pace with" often suggests a more structured or formal effort to maintain equivalence, whereas "kept up with" can be more general. In many cases, they are interchangeable.