would like to keep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "would like to keep" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a desire to maintain or retain something, whether it be an object, a relationship, or a situation. Example: "I would like to keep the documents safe until the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We would like to keep at it".

The New York Times - Sports

I would like to keep my health.

The New York Times

She would like to keep sailing.

The New York Times

And I definitely would like to keep doing that.

Princeton University

I would like to keep all my options open.

The New York Times

Regardless, she would like to keep the car.

The New York Times

"I would like to keep what I have learned.

The New Yorker

He said he would like to keep it that way.

The New York Times

They would like to keep it that way.

The New York Times

Parcells said he would like to keep many.

The New York Times - Sports

"I would like to keep that number growing".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "would like to keep", ensure that the object or state you wish to maintain is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "would like to keep" is acceptable, overuse in formal contexts can make writing sound less sophisticated. Opt for more formal alternatives like "wish to retain" or "desire to maintain" to elevate your tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "would like to keep" functions as a verb phrase expressing a desire or intention to maintain possession or continuity. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is correct and usable in English, showing a desire to maintain something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

27%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

7%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "would like to keep" is a versatile and common expression used to convey a desire to maintain or retain something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently encountered in various contexts, ranging from personal preferences to business strategies. Its register is generally neutral to professional, making it suitable for diverse writing scenarios. While highly usable, remember to consider context and explore more formal alternatives like "wish to retain" in sophisticated writing. The phrase is very frequent across news sources, scientific literature and academia.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wish to retain

Formal alternative emphasizing a conscious decision to hold onto something.

desire to maintain

Formal alternative highlighting the aspiration to uphold a certain state or condition.

want to hold onto

Informal alternative focusing on physically or metaphorically grasping something.

prefer to preserve

Emphasizes the act of protecting something from harm or change.

aim to conserve

Highlights a deliberate effort to use resources carefully and avoid waste.

intend to safeguard

Focuses on protecting something from potential danger or threat.

plan to retain

Highlights that keeping something is part of a premeditated action.

hope to secure

Emphasizes the effort of ensuring possession of something.

strive to uphold

Highlights making a dedicated effort to support and keep something at the required level.

eager to not lose

Informal alternative highlighting the fear of losing something.

FAQs

How can I use "would like to keep" in a sentence?

The phrase "would like to keep" is used to express a desire to maintain or retain something. For example, "I would like to keep this option open" or "We would like to keep him on the team".

What can I say instead of "would like to keep"?

You can use alternatives like "wish to retain", "desire to maintain", or "want to hold onto" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I'd like to keep"?

Yes, "I'd like to keep" is a contraction of "I would like to keep" and is perfectly acceptable in informal contexts.

What is the difference between "would like to keep" and "want to keep"?

"Would like to keep" is generally considered more polite and formal than "want to keep". In many situations, they are interchangeable, but "would like" adds a touch of deference.