kept up against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept up against" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is maintained in close proximity or in a position of contact with something else. Example: "The old photograph was kept up against the wall, preserving its memories for years."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

But can Mr. Leahy keep up against the giant of the industry, Boeing?

The New York Times

The Knicks' plan was to prove their big backcourt could keep up against the sleek teams on the other side of the Mississippi.

The New York Times - Sports

Certainly getting Darren McFadden back to health would help, but I'd worry about how many points the defense would give up and whether Palmer can keep up against two very good defenses.

The New York Times

In Karbala, Mr. Sadr's militia, known as the Mahdi Army, kept up attacks against American forces Thursday morning after the Americans occupied their stronghold in a fierce battle.

The New York Times

The Kaqchikel kept up resistance against the Spanish for a number of years but on 9 May 1530 the two kings of the most important clans returned from the wilds.

Wikipedia

The Kaqchikel kept up resistance against the Spanish for a number of years, but on 9 May 1530, exhausted by warfare, the two kings of the most important clans returned from the wilds.

Wikipedia

"If this keeps up, people will turn against the government.

The New York Times

Abroad, Maliki kept up the fight against Saddam, accepting aid from whoever would offer it.

The New Yorker

You might expect a military junta with sweeping powers to have kept up the fight against such illicit activity.

The Economist

As the conflict wore on, op-ed writers and social-media posts kept up a drumbeat against Qatar.

The New Yorker

But the jihadis have remained defiant and kept up attacks mostly against the security forces using roadside bombs and ambushes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kept up against" to describe a sustained effort against something, like "kept up pressure against". It implies continuous exertion.

Common error

Avoid using "kept up against" when you mean 'kept away from'. The phrase implies a force or action directed at something, not avoidance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept up against" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to indicate sustained effort or resistance in relation to something. As Ludwig AI indicated, "kept up against" is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Encyclopedias

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Less common in

Science

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Wiki

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kept up against" functions as a prepositional phrase that describes sustained effort or maintenance against something. While examples are limited, Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is best used to convey continuous exertion or opposition and is suitable for a range of contexts, from neutral news reporting to more formal or informal situations. When using the phrase, ensure that the context aligns with the intended meaning of continuous action rather than simple avoidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintained against

Focuses on the act of maintaining something in opposition to something else.

sustained against

Emphasizes the idea of continuing or prolonging something in the face of adversity.

continued against

Highlights the ongoing nature of an action or effort in opposition.

preserved against

Stresses the act of keeping something intact or unchanged despite opposition.

persisted against

Indicates a steadfast refusal to give way in the face of resistance.

defended against

Highlights the act of protecting something from attack or harm.

protected against

Emphasizes the safeguarding of something from potential danger or damage.

remained in opposition to

Focuses on the state of being in disagreement or conflict with something.

held firm against

Suggests a strong and unwavering stance against something.

stood in resistance to

Emphasizes the act of actively opposing or resisting something.

FAQs

How can I use "kept up against" in a sentence?

The phrase "kept up against" describes something that is maintained in close proximity or in a position of contact with something else. Example: "The ladder was kept up against the wall for easy access."

What is a synonym for "kept up against"?

Synonyms for "kept up against" include phrases like "maintained against", "sustained against", or "continued against", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "kept up against"?

Use "kept up against" when you want to emphasize the act of maintaining something in opposition to, or in close proximity to, something else. It suggests persistence or resistance.

What's the difference between "kept up against" and "held against"?

"Kept up against" implies a sustained action or effort, while "held against" often suggests a more temporary or immediate application of force or pressure. It can be synonymous, but the first has a sense of duration.