kept the machine running

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept the machine running" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the action of maintaining the operation of a machine or system over a period of time. Example: "Despite the challenges, the technician kept the machine running throughout the night to ensure production continued."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Management began to promote those analysts who kept the machine running, who didn't push back against bankers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Another would be to give it to the leaders of CERN: the director general, Rolf Dieter-Heuer, who muscled the two giant collaborations to the finish line; Lyn Evans, who oversaw the building of the Large Hadron Collider from its beginnings; and Steve Myers, who wrote the first paper proposing what would become the Large Hadron Collider back in 1984 and has kept the machine running.

The New York Times - Science

He then went down the road, stopped the car and kept the machine running and said, 'Are you a virgin?' "I said, 'I'm not telling you that', then he put his hands down my knickers and started messing about with me and said 'I can tell you are a virgin'.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

His orchestral music is colorful and painterly, and is essentially the oil that keeps the machine running.

The New York Times - Arts

Dr. Randall organized a bunch of some 40 theorists to write a letter to the Department of Energy last summer urging them to keep the machine running.

The New York Times - Science

Texas Democrats have made an art form of delay, manipulating House rules that are designed to keep the machine running smoothly and fairly into a perilous bramble of technicalities and minutiae.

The New York Times

Rather than trying to keep the machine running by pumping out high-price hand bags, watches and other goods, he proposed the unthinkable: the entire luxury industry should slash prices.

The New York Times

It really hurts to say goodbye to your team and to walk yourself out the door instead of chasing money for other issues to just keep the machine running.

The Guardian

The lithium ion battery can keep the machine running for more than seven hours.

Forbes

The motorized spindle is one of the major elements to keep the machine running at high productivity.

Mechatronics

To meet the new budget, employees will have to take unpaid leave, although Oddone says he hopes a "rolling furlough" program will allow him to keep the machine running.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "kept the machine running", ensure the context clearly indicates what 'machine' refers to, whether it's a literal machine, a system, or an abstract process. Providing this clarity helps avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "kept the machine running" excessively in formal or academic writing. While acceptable, it can sometimes sound informal. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "maintained the operational status" or "ensured continued operation" to enhance the tone and credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept the machine running" functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of maintaining the operation of a device, system, or organization. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and appropriate in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "kept the machine running" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe maintaining operation, whether literally or figuratively. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is generally correct and usable in written English. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and choose more formal alternatives for academic or highly professional writing. It is most frequently found in news and media sources, indicating its broad appeal and understandability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintained the operational status

Replaces "kept" with "maintained" and uses a more formal tone.

sustained the functionality

Emphasizes the continuation of function rather than the active keeping.

ensured continued operation

Highlights the guarantee of ongoing operation.

preserved the working order

Focuses on maintaining the correct state for operation.

prevented downtime

Emphasizes avoiding interruptions in operation.

optimized performance

Shifts the focus to improving how well the machine functions.

facilitated smooth running

Highlights ease and uninterrupted progress.

supported continuous activity

Focuses on the support needed to keep things active.

held it in working condition

Uses a more literal description of maintaining the state.

avoided system failure

Stresses the prevention of a breakdown.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "kept the machine running" in formal writing?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "maintained the operational status", "ensured continued operation", or "sustained the functionality" to achieve a more professional tone.

What does it mean to say someone "kept the machine running"?

It means they maintained the operation of a system, process, or device, ensuring it continued to function correctly. This can apply literally to physical machines or metaphorically to organizations or projects.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "kept the machine running"?

It's appropriate in contexts where you want to convey the idea of maintaining an ongoing operation, particularly when highlighting effort or intervention to prevent it from stopping. It works well in both literal and figurative senses.

What are some common synonyms for "kept the machine running"?

Synonyms include "maintained the operational status", "ensured continued operation", "sustained the functionality", or "preserved the working order".