Grammar fix
keep afloat
prevent business failure
To provide enough money or support to stop a business from failing.
phrasal verb
How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
The summer trade usually keeps the café afloat during the quiet months.
My aunt runs a small bakery, and local customers kept it afloat during the pandemic by ordering online.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: The loan kept the company floating.
Say: The loan kept the company afloat.
The fixed expression is 'keep something afloat', especially for a business or organisation.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Help a struggling business survive
How seriousWeaknessThreatened survival
shore upStrengthen a business whose finances or position are weak.prop upSuggests a business depends on outside support to avoid failure.
keep afloatYou're here · Provide enough financial help to prevent a business from failing.