I cannot keep that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I cannot keep that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing an inability to retain or hold onto something, whether it be a physical object or an abstract concept. Example: "After much consideration, I realized that I cannot keep that old book, as it no longer serves a purpose for me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I cannot keep that promise as a Conservative; I can keep it as Ukip".

The Guardian

"I cannot keep that promise as a Conservative.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In a Feb. 23 speech to the Credit Union National Association, Mr. Greenspan made it clear that such borrowing cannot keep that pace indefinitely.

The New York Times

"Flexibility teaches you that you have a philosophy in the way you want to play, but if that way of playing doesn't suit the players you cannot keep that philosophy".

BBC

But as we are all humans and cannot control the universe, there might be times when you just cannot keep that promise.

WikiHow

"I am feeling pretty well worn out at present and I am convinced that I cannot keep at this kind of life for very long" (February , 1923.

The New Yorker

I cannot keep thinking that my value lies in taking on another job or another opportunity.

Huffington Post

I cannot keep entirely private because that denies who I am.

The Guardian

"I'm not making promises that I cannot keep," she said, later adding that a true progressive was "someone who makes progress".

Los Angeles Times

"I'm not making promises that I cannot keep," she said.

The New Yorker

"Of course we are still scared of explosions, but I have eight children, and a father cannot keep that many small ones from running around," said Abdul Nabi, a poor laborer who has built a home in the minefield from stony debris and cornstalks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I cannot keep that", ensure the context clearly indicates whether the inability is due to physical limitations, external constraints, or a personal decision. For instance, specify the reason if it's not immediately obvious: "I cannot keep that promise because circumstances have changed."

Common error

Avoid using "I cannot keep that" without providing adequate context if the reason for the inability is not self-evident. Failing to provide context may lead to confusion or misinterpretation. Instead of just saying "I cannot keep that", explain why: "I cannot keep that item because it's needed elsewhere."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I cannot keep that" functions as a declarative statement expressing the speaker's inability to retain or maintain something. The examples in Ludwig show its use in diverse contexts, from political promises to physical objects. The function is to convey a limit or constraint the speaker is facing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I cannot keep that" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express an inability to retain or maintain something. As Ludwig AI shows, it's versatile, appearing across various contexts, primarily in news and media. The phrase's neutral register and straightforward meaning make it useful in numerous situations, but clarity is key—providing context ensures the listener understands the reason behind the inability. Exploring alternatives like ""I am unable to retain that"" can add nuance, but "I cannot keep that" remains a clear and effective choice for conveying limitations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am unable to retain that

Replaces "cannot" with "am unable to" and "keep" with "retain", making it slightly more formal.

I'm unable to hold onto that

Uses "unable" instead of "cannot" and replaces "keep" with "hold onto", which is slightly more informal.

I can't hold that anymore

Adds "anymore" to emphasize the duration or limit of holding something.

I must relinquish that

Replaces "cannot keep" with "must relinquish", indicating a necessary act of giving up something, making it more formal.

That is impossible for me to keep

Shifts the focus to the impossibility of keeping something, providing a different emphasis.

I am forced to give that up

Indicates that external forces are causing the speaker to relinquish something.

I'm not going to keep that

Expresses a decision not to keep something, rather than an inability.

It's beyond my capacity to keep that

Highlights the lack of personal capacity to maintain or retain something.

I have no option but to discard that

Indicates there are no other choices besides getting rid of the object.

That's something I have to release

Shifts the focus to releasing something, possibly implying an emotional or mental letting go.

FAQs

What does "I cannot keep that" mean?

The phrase "I cannot keep that" expresses an inability to retain or hold onto something, whether it's a physical object, a promise, a feeling, or any abstract concept. The reason for not being able to keep it might be due to circumstances, personal limitations, or external pressures.

How to use "I cannot keep that" in a sentence?

To use "I cannot keep that" effectively, provide context to clarify what "that" refers to and, if necessary, why you're unable to keep it. For example, "I cannot keep that secret any longer" or "I cannot keep that heavy box; it's too much for me to lift".

What can I say instead of "I cannot keep that"?

You can use alternatives like "I am unable to retain that", "I'm unable to hold onto that", or "I must relinquish that" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "I cannot keep that"?

Use "I cannot keep that" when you want to express your inability to maintain possession of something or adhere to a commitment. It's suitable when you want to convey a sense of obligation or circumstance that prevents you from keeping something, whether tangible or intangible.