11.   But administration officials say that even the promise of tax relief will improve consumer confidence and help keep the economy from deteriorating.

12.   But it has kept the economy going largely through huge spending programs on public works projects and by protecting industries that are not competitive.

13.   But it was otherwise sanguine, forecasting that the Federal Reserve would keep the economy on an even keel.

14.   But voters may turn out to be less interested in these subjects than in the question of who can keep the economy cooking.

15.   Central bankers use the rate to keep the economy from overheating and inflation from accelerating.

16.   Central bankers adjust the rate to try to keep the economy growing without inflation.

17.   China will maintain a tight grip on bank lending this year to ward off inflation and keep the economy in check, a senior government economist said.

18.   Consumer spending has been strong through most of the downturn, credited by many with keeping the economy from a more painful fall.

19.   Economists say that upbeat consumers and a booming jobs market will keep the economy from slowing much, increasing the risk for faster inflation.

20.   Economic indicators released Thursday underscored the difficulty that policy makers face in keeping the economy from developing even deeper problems.