keep
To continue to have or hold something in your possession or at your disposal. It also means to remain in a specific state, condition, or position without changing.
Examples
3 of 5I always keep my keys in the small pocket of my bag.
I always keep my keys in the small pocket of my bag.
Please keep this information confidential until the official announcement.
Please keep this information confidential until the official announcement.
You can keep the rest of the pizza if you want it.
You can keep the rest of the pizza if you want it.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Goalkeeper' in soccer—their job is to 'keep' the ball out of the net and 'keep' the score the same.
Quick Quiz
You are doing a great job! Please ___ working hard.
Correct!
The correct answer is: keep
Examples
I always keep my keys in the small pocket of my bag.
everydayI always keep my keys in the small pocket of my bag.
Please keep this information confidential until the official announcement.
formalPlease keep this information confidential until the official announcement.
You can keep the rest of the pizza if you want it.
informalYou can keep the rest of the pizza if you want it.
Researchers must keep accurate logs of every observation during the trial.
academicResearchers must keep accurate logs of every observation during the trial.
We need to keep the project on schedule to meet the client's deadline.
businessWe need to keep the project on schedule to meet the client's deadline.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Keep it up
Continue doing something well
Keep an eye on
Watch something or someone carefully
Keep your word
Do what you promised to do
Often Confused With
Hold is usually a physical action with hands, while keep implies having something for a long time.
Usage Notes
When 'keep' is followed by another verb, that verb must be in the -ing form (e.g., 'keep walking'). It is one of the most common verbs used to describe maintenance of a state.
Common Mistakes
Learners often say 'keep to do' instead of the correct form 'keep doing'. Always use the gerund (-ing) after keep.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Goalkeeper' in soccer—their job is to 'keep' the ball out of the net and 'keep' the score the same.
Word Origin
Originates from the Old English word 'cēpan', which meant to seize, observe, or take care of.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many English-speaking cultures, 'keeping your word' is a core value related to personal integrity and trust.
Quick Quiz
You are doing a great job! Please ___ working hard.
Correct!
The correct answer is: keep
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
A noun that refers to an area of land kept for the protectio...
protectTo keep someone or something safe from harm, injury, or dang...
guardA guard is a specific player position in sports like basketb...
continueTo keep doing something or to stay in the same state without...
stayTo remain in a particular place and not leave. It also means...
Related Words
unknown
A1A person or thing that is not known, recognized, or familiar. It often refers to a mysterious situation or a person who has not yet achieved fame or success.
of
A1A preposition used to show a relationship between a part and a whole, or to indicate belonging and origin. It connects a noun or pronoun to another part of the sentence to specify which one or what kind.
in
A1A preposition used to indicate position within a container, a space, an area, or a period of time. It describes being surrounded by something or being inside the boundaries of a location.
it
A1A third-person singular pronoun used to refer to an object, animal, or situation that has already been mentioned or is clear from context. It is also frequently used as a dummy subject to talk about time, weather, or distance.
on
A1A preposition used to indicate that something is in a position above and supported by a surface. It is also used to indicate a specific day or date, or to show that a device is functioning.
as
A1A conjunction used to compare two things that are equal in some way. It is most commonly used in the pattern 'as + adjective/adverb + as' to show similarity.
this
A1Used to identify a specific person, thing, or idea that is physically close to the speaker or has just been mentioned. It can also refer to the present time or a situation that is currently happening.
by
A1A preposition used to show the method or means of doing something, or to identify the person or thing that performs an action. It frequently appears in passive sentences to indicate the agent or before modes of transport.
we
A1The word 'we' is a first-person plural pronoun used to refer to the speaker and one or more other people collectively. It is used as the subject of a sentence or clause.
or
A1A coordinating conjunction used to connect two or more possibilities or alternatives. it indicates that only one of the options is likely, required, or true.
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