did not keep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "did not keep" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone failed to maintain or adhere to something, such as a promise, agreement, or standard. Example: "She did not keep her promise to help me with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He did not keep them.

The Economist

Yarynich did not keep quiet.

The Washington Post

Morality did not keep well......

The New Yorker

He did not keep his word.

The Economist

In powerless refrigerators, food did not keep.

The New York Times

That did not keep him away.

The New York Times

Obama did not keep his promises.

The New York Times

He did not keep in touch.

The New York Times - Arts

Technology and service "did not keep pace".

The New York Times

However the Commission did not keep its promise.

Computer Law & Security Review

Wages, meanwhile, did not keep pace.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "did not keep" with stronger verbs like "violated", "neglected", or "abandoned" for a more impactful statement, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "did not keep" without specifying what was not kept. For example, instead of saying "He did not keep", clarify with "He did not keep his appointment" or "He did not keep the information confidential".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "did not keep" primarily functions as a verbal phrase expressing negation of an action. It indicates a failure to maintain, adhere to, or fulfill something. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "did not keep" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a failure to maintain, adhere to, or fulfill an obligation. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using "did not keep", it is important to provide clear context about what was not maintained or adhered to. Alternatives such as "failed to maintain" or "did not uphold" can provide a more formal tone, while options like "went back on" offer a more casual feel. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "did not keep" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failed to maintain

This alternative directly replaces "did not keep" with a more formal expression of failing to uphold something.

did not fulfill

Specifies the failure to complete or achieve something expected.

failed to uphold

Emphasizes the failure to support or defend something, similar to not keeping an agreement or promise.

did not adhere to

Highlights a failure to follow rules, guidelines, or standards.

did not comply with

Emphasizes the failure to follow a command or regulation.

neglected to preserve

Focuses on the lack of effort in maintaining something in its original condition.

went back on

Suggests withdrawing from a commitment, similar to not keeping one's word.

fell short of

Indicates a failure to reach a required standard or expectation.

reneged on

This phrase indicates a broken promise or agreement, offering a more informal tone.

defaulted on

Implies a failure to meet a financial obligation or commitment.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "did not keep" to sound more formal?

You can replace "did not keep" with more formal alternatives such as "failed to maintain", "did not uphold", or "did not comply with", depending on the context.

What is a more casual way to say "did not keep"?

Informal alternatives to "did not keep" include "went back on", "reneged on", or simply "broke depending on the context".

Is there a difference between "did not keep" and "failed to keep"?

While similar, "failed to keep" often implies an inability to maintain something, whereas "did not keep" can also suggest a deliberate choice not to maintain or follow through with something.

How to use "did not keep" in a sentence?

You can use "did not keep" to indicate that someone failed to maintain or adhere to something. For example: "The government "did not keep" its promise to lower taxes".