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.
In stressful situations, I try to keep calm by taking deep breaths and focusing on finding a solution.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: Keep calm yourself.
Say: Keep calm. / Calm down.
'Keep calm' takes no object; to tell someone to relax, say 'keep calm' or 'calm down'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Keep calm' is natural; 'maintain emotional composure' is clinical.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
keep calm
- stay
- and carry on
- try to
- under pressure