stay intact

USAGE SUMMARY

"stay intact" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use the phrase to describe something that is unaltered, unchanged, or unharmed. For example: "The ancient ruins stayed intact for hundreds of years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"But these guys are so strong that I think we'll stay intact.

Huffington Post

"I think the authorities should stay intact," he said.

The Guardian

They don't have to stay intact, or even eat.

The Guardian

Use your head and your wallet will stay intact.

The Guardian - Travel

Next year, if things stay intact, we'll make another run".

The New York Times - Sports

But the roster did not stay intact for long.

The New York Times - Sports

The Seashore has no real intention of letting the communities on Fire Island stay intact.

The New York Times

Barber asking him if all countries are agreed that the eurozone will stay intact.

The Guardian - Business

The short cooking time also means that most of the integrity of flavours stay intact.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The juicy muscle cells will stay intact and retain their moisture.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Separate the egg yolks from the whites, making sure the yolks stay intact.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stay intact", consider the specific context and choose related words that accurately reflect the type of preservation or lack of damage you wish to convey. For example, "remain unaltered" is suitable when the focus is on no changes having been made, while "remain undamaged" is appropriate when discussing physical condition.

Common error

Avoid using "stay intact" when describing abstract concepts that do not involve physical preservation. For instance, while a building might "stay intact" after an earthquake, a reputation would be better described as "remaining untarnished" or "unblemished".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stay intact" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of maintaining a state of wholeness or preservation. Ludwig AI indicates that it is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

23%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stay intact" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe something that remains whole, undamaged, or unchanged. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While alternatives like "remain undamaged" or "hold together" exist, the best choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use "stay intact" when you specifically want to emphasize the condition of maintaining its original form or condition and avoid using it in abstract contexts where physical preservation isn't relevant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain undamaged

Focuses specifically on the absence of damage, emphasizing the physical condition.

remain unaltered

Emphasizes the lack of change or modification, highlighting the original state.

stay undamaged

Focuses specifically on the absence of damage, emphasizing the physical condition of remaining unharmed.

stay unaltered

Emphasizes the lack of change or modification, highlighting the initial state.

remain whole

Emphasizes the completeness and unbroken nature of something.

hold together

Suggests a cohesive unit that resists separation or disintegration.

stay together

Focuses on maintaining unity and avoiding separation or fragmentation.

be preserved

Highlights the act of maintaining something in its original state, often against decay or destruction.

maintain its integrity

Emphasizes the preservation of core qualities and principles, often in a more abstract or moral sense.

not fall apart

Indicates resistance to disintegration or failure, often under pressure or stress.

FAQs

How can I use "stay intact" in a sentence?

You can use "stay intact" to describe something that remains whole, undamaged, or unchanged. For example, "The ancient artifact managed to stay intact despite the passage of centuries."

What are some alternatives to saying "stay intact"?

Alternatives to "stay intact" include "remain undamaged", "remain unaltered", or "hold together", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "stay intact" or "remain intact"?

"Stay intact" and "remain intact" are largely interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference or the rhythm of the sentence.

What does it mean for something to "stay intact"?

When something "stays intact", it means it avoids being broken, damaged, or altered. It maintains its original form or condition.