I have kept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I have kept" is a perfectly valid and useful part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used to describe a past action, or as a continuation of an unfinished thought. For example, "I have kept a close record of my spending, so I know exactly how much I have saved this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I have kept the faith".

The New York Times

I feel I have kept to that.

Independent

Should I have kept quiet?

The Washington Post

I have kept my promise.

The New York Times - Style

I have kept this vow".

The Guardian - Opinion

"I have kept the faith with Tennessee.

The New York Times

And I have kept true to that".

The Guardian - Sport

I have kept off about 10 pounds.

The New York Times

"I have kept the picture of the Gayle wicket".

The New York Times - Sports

I have kept my money in Greece," says one local.

The Economist

So I have kept a special drawer for such things.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I have kept", ensure the object of what you've kept is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, "I have kept the receipt" is clearer than just "I have kept."

Common error

Avoid using "I am keeping" when "I have kept" is more appropriate to describe a state that began in the past and continues to the present. For example, use "I have kept this secret for years" instead of "I am keeping this secret for years" if you intend to say that this is a long term activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I have kept" functions as the main verb within a sentence, indicating a completed action with ongoing relevance. As Ludwig AI explains, it signifies a past action that has implications or effects that persist to the present. Examples include "I have kept my promise" or "I have kept the information confidential."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I have kept" is a versatile and commonly used construction in English, indicating a past action with continuing relevance. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts, ranging from formal news reports to casual conversations. The phrase is frequently used in "News & Media", "Science", and "Academia". When employing this phrase, be mindful of clarity and tense consistency to ensure accurate communication. Remember to clearly state what you've kept to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "I have maintained" or "I have retained" can offer nuanced variations in meaning, but the core implication of upholding or preserving something remains central.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I have maintained

Focuses on the continuous aspect of keeping something in a certain state.

I have retained

Emphasizes the act of holding onto something, often information or a position.

I have preserved

Highlights the effort to protect something from damage or decay.

I have upheld

Implies supporting or defending a principle or agreement.

I have guarded

Suggests protecting something carefully from harm or unwanted access.

I have possessed

Emphasizes ownership or control over something.

I have secured

Implies obtaining and ensuring the safety or availability of something.

I have held onto

Emphasizes the act of not letting go, often with emotional attachment.

I have stored

Highlights the act of placing something in a location for future use.

I have sheltered

Implies providing protection or refuge from harm or unpleasantness.

FAQs

How can I use "I have kept" in a sentence?

Use "I have kept" to describe an action you started in the past that continues to the present, such as "I have kept my promise" or "I have kept the documents safe".

What can I say instead of "I have kept"?

You can use alternatives like "I have maintained", "I have retained", or "I have preserved" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "I have kept" or "I kept"?

"I have kept" implies a state that continues to the present, while "I kept" refers to a completed action in the past. For example, "I have kept the book" suggests you still have it, while "I kept the book" only indicates you held it at some point.

What's the difference between "I have kept" and "I am keeping"?

"I have kept" usually describes a stable, ongoing state resulting from a past action, whereas "I am keeping" suggests a current, active process. "I have kept the money safe" indicates a long-term safekeeping, while "I am keeping the money safe" implies a safekeeping action happening right now.