to keep things tidy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to keep things tidy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of organizing or maintaining cleanliness in a space or situation. Example: "It's important to keep things tidy in the office to create a productive work environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

I like to keep things tidy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Decide where you want your clock face to be, then drill a hole into the lid (I used an electric drill to keep things tidy).

Princeton University

To keep things tidy, try to avoid orphans and widows where possible – paying attention to space-saving will help you focus on making every word count.

The Guardian

They were the sort of folks who could afford to rent a nice big summer home on affluent Long Island (as well as hire a cook, servants, and gardener to keep things tidy).

The New York Times - Books

Oliver Bozanic – 6 One of his first involvements in World Cup football was to win a penalty against Holland and in that match, coming on as a substitute, Bozanic did well to keep things tidy in midfield.

The Guardian - Sport

Dyson V6 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner: £299.99, dyson.co.uk Again, don't actually tell Dad he's a slob and needs to clean up after himself, but a Dyson is a highly appealing vacuum and is gadgety enough to make him want to keep things tidy.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Or you could hook up the other end to an automatic knitting machine and keep things tidy.

TechCrunch

Fortunately, most recent versions of Outlook can help keep things tidy by closing the windows automatically.

The New York Times

They are written in verse, like the one that reads, "Spring has sprung,/The bulbs are up./Help keep things tidy;/Curb your pup". Others are too explicit for publication.

The New York Times

Just keep all the cakes and ale coming and keep things tidy, and answer questions when it's necessary.

Vice

This will help keep things tidy.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to keep things tidy", consider the specific context and choose a synonym if a more formal or informal tone is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "to keep things tidy" when referring to abstract concepts that cannot be physically tidied. For example, instead of saying "to keep the argument tidy", consider phrases like "to keep the argument concise" or "to keep the argument well-organized".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to keep things tidy" functions as an infinitive phrase often used as an adverbial modifier. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and widely used in English. The examples show its use to describe maintaining order in various settings.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to keep things tidy" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that describes the act of maintaining order and cleanliness. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is appropriate for various contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain professional or academic settings. The phrase is frequently found in News & Media and Wiki sources, reflecting its widespread use. When using this phrase, consider the audience and adjust the language accordingly to ensure the desired level of formality and specificity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to keep things neat

Uses "neat" as a synonym for "tidy", offering a slight variation in wording.

to maintain order

Focuses more on the general state of order rather than just tidiness.

to ensure tidiness

Focuses on ensuring that things are tidy, rather than the act of tidying itself.

to stay organized

Emphasizes the process of organizing rather than the resulting state.

to maintain cleanliness

Highlights the aspect of cleanliness, which is a component of tidiness.

to preserve neatness

Similar to "ensure tidiness", but with a stronger emphasis on preserving an existing state.

to uphold orderliness

More formal and emphasizes a consistent state of being orderly.

to avoid clutter

Focuses on preventing clutter, which is the opposite of keeping things tidy.

to streamline processes

Implies making things more efficient and less chaotic, which can contribute to tidiness.

to impose order

Suggests a more forceful act of bringing order to a chaotic situation.

FAQs

How can I use "to keep things tidy" in a sentence?

You can use "to keep things tidy" to describe the act of maintaining order and cleanliness. For example: "It's important "to keep things tidy" in the office to create a productive work environment."

What are some alternatives to "to keep things tidy"?

Alternatives to "to keep things tidy" include "to maintain order", "to stay organized", or "to maintain cleanliness" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "to keep things tidy" in a formal setting?

While "to keep things tidy" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "to uphold orderliness" or "to ensure tidiness" in highly formal contexts.

What's the difference between "to keep things tidy" and "to keep things neat"?

The phrases "to keep things tidy" and "to keep things neat" are very similar and often interchangeable. "Tidy" can sometimes imply a more thorough level of organization than "neat".