why not keep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "why not keep" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest maintaining a certain action or state, often in a casual or conversational context. Example: "If you enjoy reading, why not keep that book on your nightstand for easy access?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Why not keep listening?

The New York Times

Why not keep looking?

University of California, Berkeley

Why not keep dreaming?

The New Yorker

Why not keep them straight?

The New York Times - Arts

"Why not keep Clive alive?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So why not keep making them happen?

The New York Times - Sports

Why not keep raising taxes instead?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Why not keep an option to provide some paper bonds for those who really want to buy them as gifts?

The New York Times

And why not keep the church flowers from the previous ceremony and split the cost between couples?

The Guardian - Business

So why not keep going?Vladimir ObamaFor several reasons.

The Economist

So why not keep it secret for a few more months?

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "why not keep", consider the context. It works best when suggesting the continuation of something already in progress or a state already in existence. It can add a casual, inviting tone to your suggestions.

Common error

Avoid using "why not keep" in very formal or professional documents where a more direct or structured suggestion might be more appropriate. In such cases, consider using alternatives like "it is recommended to maintain" or "we should continue".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "why not keep" primarily functions as a suggestion or a rhetorical question, inviting consideration of maintaining a particular action or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is both grammatically sound and frequently used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "why not keep" is a versatile phrase used to suggest the continuation of an action or state. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in News & Media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's best suited for informal to semi-formal communication. For more formal settings, alternatives like "it is recommended to maintain" may be more appropriate. Remember to consider the context and desired tone when deciding whether to use "why not keep", aiming for clarity and effectiveness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

why not continue

Directly proposes the continuation of an action or state.

why not maintain

Suggests continuing something in a more formal or structured manner.

how about retaining

Directly suggests retaining something, similar to keeping it.

what about sustaining

Similar to "how about we sustain" but slightly more open-ended.

how about we sustain

Offers a suggestion with a slightly different phrasing and focuses on sustaining something.

perhaps we should retain

Suggests retaining something with a touch of formality.

why don't we conserve

Proposes conserving something, often implying a careful management of resources.

what if we preserve

Poses a question that implies keeping something in its current state for future use.

let's not discontinue

Suggests avoiding the cessation of an action, more explicitly.

would it hurt to hold on to

Phrased as a rhetorical question, suggesting retaining something with a hint of skepticism.

FAQs

How can I use "why not keep" in a sentence?

You can use "why not keep" to suggest continuing an action or maintaining a state. For example, "Since you're already doing well, "why not keep" going?".

What phrases are similar to "why not keep"?

Similar phrases include "why not continue", "how about retaining", or "why not maintain". The choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality.

Is "why not keep" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "why not keep" is generally more suitable for informal or conversational contexts. In formal writing, consider using more direct or structured alternatives like "it is recommended to continue" or "we should maintain".

What's the difference between "why not keep" and "why not start"?

"Why not keep" suggests continuing something that already exists or is in progress, whereas "why not start" proposes initiating something new. The former implies maintenance, while the latter implies initiation.