SpeakUp

Grammar fix

keep calm

stay relaxed

To stay relaxed and not get upset, worried, or angry, especially in a difficult or stressful situation.

collocationB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • Even though the fire alarm went off, she managed to keep calm and help everyone leave the building safely.daily life
  • In stressful situations, I try to keep calm by taking deep breaths and focusing on finding a solution.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: keep calm (in/when/while...)

WrongKeep calm yourself.

RightKeep calm. / Calm down.

'Keep calm' takes no object; to tell someone to relax, say 'keep calm' or 'calm down'.

Patternkeep calm (in/when/while...)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff It is important to maintain emotional composure under duress.

Natural Just try to keep calm.

'Keep calm' is natural; 'maintain emotional composure' is clinical.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • keep calm
    stayand carry ontry tounder pressure

Don't confuse it

'Keep calm' focuses on not losing control, while 'stay calm' can be used more generally.

Try it in Daily Speak →