I kept that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I kept that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something you have retained or saved for future use or reference. Example: "After all these years, I still have the letter you wrote me. I kept that because it meant a lot to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I kept that promise.

The New York Times

In January, I kept that promise.

The New York Times - Health

"I kept that fiver for years!

The Guardian - Sport

I kept that job until I sold some houses and had some money.

The New York Times

Then I kept that image in my head as I tasted the 15 micron salt.

The New Yorker

When I first came to Hollywood I kept that very private.

The New York Times

As for me, I kept that copy of "A Wrinkle in Time".

The New Yorker

I was into David Sylvian, but I kept that secret because it's not really teenager's music".

The Guardian - Music

As with my first acting role in high school, something was calling me, and I kept that knowledge to myself.

The Guardian - Travel

I kept that fact in mind as the days turned into weeks after our initial conversation, as the "no dice" e-mails kept coming from Keens.

The New York Times

* * * Forty years older, 40 pounds heavier, I sit on my porch in Fairhope, Ala., reading the journal I kept that hitchhiking summer.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I kept that" to emphasize your continued possession, memory, or adherence to something. The phrase works well in narratives to show consistency or commitment over time.

Common error

Ensure "that" clearly refers to a specific item, idea, promise, or piece of information within the context. Avoid ambiguity by providing clear antecedents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I kept that" functions as a declarative statement indicating the speaker's action of retaining or maintaining something. As indicated by Ludwig, this relates to physical objects, memories, or commitments. The examples show a wide range of uses, emphasizing the speaker's agency in preserving something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I kept that" is a versatile phrase used to express the retention of a physical object, memory, or commitment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, especially in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure that "that" clearly refers to something specific to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "I retained that" or "I held onto that" can be used for slight variations in meaning. Overall, it's a reliable and effective way to convey the idea of maintaining something over time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I retained that

Replaces 'kept' with 'retained', emphasizing holding onto something, often in a more formal context.

I held onto that

Uses 'held onto' instead of 'kept', highlighting the act of maintaining possession.

I preserved that

Replaces 'kept' with 'preserved', suggesting maintaining something in its original condition.

I saved that

Highlights setting something aside for later use, different from simply retaining it.

I maintained that

Focuses on upholding a belief, promise, or position, shifting from physical retention to a more abstract sense.

I stored that away

Emphasizes the act of putting something in a safe place for future use, adding a sense of intentionality.

I adhered to that

Emphasizes sticking to a principle, rule, or agreement, differing from simply keeping an object.

I had that in my possession

Formally states that something was owned or held, emphasizing legal or official ownership.

I remembered that

Shifts the focus to recalling something rather than physically keeping it.

I never forgot that

Focuses on remembering something vividly or meaningfully, rather than keeping it physically.

FAQs

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

You can use "I kept that" to indicate you retained something, like "I kept that letter as a reminder of our friendship". It can also mean you adhered to a promise or principle.

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

Alternatives include "I held onto that", "I retained that", or "I preserved that", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "I kept that" or "I keep that"?

"I kept that" is past tense, indicating you retained something in the past. "I keep that" is present tense, meaning you currently retain something.

What's the difference between "I kept that" and "I kept it"?

"I kept that" is used when "that" refers to something specific already mentioned or understood. "I kept it" is more general and refers to something previously identified as "it".