to keep it flat

USAGE SUMMARY

'to keep it flat' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to physical objects, and it can be used in a variety of situations. For example, you could say, "I taped the poster to the wall to keep it flat."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

(Conservators often reduced the panel to half its thickness and attached a restraining grid to keep it flat).

The New York Times - Arts

"Obama wants to increase the size of government; Romney wants to keep it flat".

The New York Times

Balance is a key to success in the 22-foot Star, a complex keelboat with a huge sail plan that requires a big crewman to keep it flat and fast when sailing in heavy air.

The New York Times - Sports

Mounted on a silicon wafer to keep it flat, held in a specially designed box made of Mylar, polythene, polystyrene, acrylic and wood, to minimise the conduction of heat into it from its surroundings, and then left outside on a sunny, albeit rather wintry Californian day, the photonic sheet settled down to a temperature 4.9°C cooler than its surroundings.

The Economist

From the Grammys to the Oscars, there is a fine tradition of actresses choosing to keep it flat on the red carpet.

BBC

Use a file on the edge to keep it flat.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

This will help keep it flat and retain its appearance.

WikiHow

Keep it flat and static, slightly to the front, as if Mussolini were poised to pat a small boy.

The Guardian - Travel

That's be handy to keep your documents or shirts in, and you could easily keep it flat or fold it carefully if need be.

TechCrunch

"All my father-in-law asked was that we keep it flat," Mr. Daly said.

The New York Times

Keep it flat at all times.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing steps in a process, use "to keep it flat" to clearly indicate the purpose of an action, enhancing the clarity of your instructions.

Common error

Avoid using "to keep it flat" when referring to abstract concepts like emotions or ideas. This phrase is best suited for physical objects or surfaces. Instead of saying "I tried to keep the conversation flat", opt for "I tried to keep the conversation neutral" or "I tried to avoid conflict".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to keep it flat" functions as an infinitive of purpose, explaining the reason behind a particular action. It clarifies why something is being done, as seen in Ludwig's examples, such as using weights on a leaf or pressure on bacon.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

News & Media

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to keep it flat" serves primarily as an infinitive of purpose, explaining why a specific action is taken, particularly for maintaining a level physical surface. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It's commonly found in instructional contexts like WikiHow articles, as well as in news and media when describing processes such as art restoration or cooking techniques. While its register is neutral, it’s best suited for describing physical objects rather than abstract concepts. Alternatives include "to maintain its flatness" and "to prevent it from warping", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to keep it even

Emphasizes maintaining an equal or consistent surface, highlighting uniformity.

to maintain its flatness

Focuses on maintaining an existing state of flatness, emphasizing preservation.

to maintain a level surface

Specifically refers to preserving a surface that is horizontal or even.

to ensure it remains level

Emphasizes ensuring the continuation of a level state, highlighting stability.

to keep it from bending

Highlights preventing bending or curving, emphasizing rigidity.

to prevent it from warping

Highlights preventing deformation, specifically related to bending or twisting.

to prevent it from curling

Highlights preventing the edges from rolling up, particularly relevant for flexible materials.

to hold it steady

Focuses on preventing movement or wobbling, emphasizing stability in position.

to hold it in place

Focuses on preventing movement or displacement, implying a fixed position.

to preserve its form

Focuses on retaining the existing shape, not necessarily limited to flatness.

FAQs

How can I use "to keep it flat" in a sentence?

You can use "to keep it flat" when describing actions taken to maintain the even surface of an object. For example, "I used heavy books to press the paper "to keep it flat" while the glue dried."

What are some alternative ways to express the idea of "to keep it flat"?

Alternatives include "to maintain its flatness", "to ensure it remains level", or "to prevent it from warping" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "to keep it flat" in a metaphorical sense?

While generally used for physical objects, you can use it metaphorically to describe efforts to maintain a stable or unchanging state, although this is less common and might require careful phrasing to avoid confusion.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "to keep it flat"?

Avoid using "to keep it flat" when referring to abstract concepts or situations where physical flatness is not relevant. For instance, it would be incorrect to say "He tried "to keep it flat"" when referring to a heated argument. A more appropriate phrase would be "to de-escalate it".