for keeps

USAGE SUMMARY

"for keeps" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to keep something permanently or to keep something with a serious intention or commitment. Example: "I won this teddy bear at the carnival, and I'm going to keep it for keeps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was for keeps.

The New York Times

We're playing for keeps".

The New York Times - Health

Out: playing basketball for keeps.

The New York Times

"Doonesbury" was playing for keeps.

The New York Times - Books

You play for keeps.

The Washington Post

I play for keeps.

The Guardian

It is a game played for keeps.

The New York Times - Arts

"Ronda Rousey plays for keeps," he intoned.

The New Yorker

We're playing for keeps now.

The Washington Post

One side plays for keeps.

The Guardian - Opinion

Well, almost his for keeps.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for keeps" to emphasize the permanence or seriousness of a decision or action. It's particularly effective in informal contexts to convey a sense of finality.

Common error

Avoid using "for keeps" in highly formal or technical writing. While grammatically correct, it may sound too casual or informal in contexts that require a more serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for keeps" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the manner or extent to which an action is performed. It conveys the idea of permanence or a serious intention. As Ludwig examples show, it's frequently used to describe actions taken with a lasting commitment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Film

15%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for keeps" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to express permanence or serious intent. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide usage. It is most frequently encountered in news and media, film, and sports contexts, and while acceptable, it is generally considered informal to neutral in register. When greater formality is needed, alternatives such as "permanently" or "in perpetuity" may be more appropriate. Remember to use "for keeps" to add emphasis and a sense of finality to your writing, but avoid it in highly formal or technical contexts. The examples available in Ludwig provide ample illustration of its application across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

permanently

Emphasizes the lasting nature of something, focusing on its indefinite continuation.

for good

Implies a finality or irreversibility, suggesting a decision or state is now unchangeable.

once and for all

Highlights the decisiveness of an action, intended to resolve something definitively.

in perpetuity

A more formal way to express something lasting forever, often used in legal or official contexts.

from now on

Indicates a change from the present forward, setting a new and lasting precedent.

irrevocably

Stresses the inability to reverse or undo an action or decision.

without end

Poetically suggests something continuing endlessly, without a defined conclusion.

definitively

Highlights the conclusive nature of a decision or outcome, leaving no room for doubt.

as a final measure

Signifies something done as the last possible solution or action.

to the bitter end

Implies perseverance until the very conclusion, often in the face of adversity.

FAQs

How can I use "for keeps" in a sentence?

You can use "for keeps" to indicate that something is being kept permanently or that something is being done with serious intent. For example, "They're playing "for keeps" in this tournament".

What's a more formal alternative to "for keeps"?

For more formal situations, consider using phrases like "permanently", "in perpetuity", or "for good".

Is it correct to say "playing for keeps"?

Yes, "playing for keeps" is a common idiom that means engaging in something with utmost seriousness and determination, often implying a competitive scenario.

What does "this time it's for keeps" mean?

This phrase suggests that previous attempts were not serious or permanent, but now the situation is different. It implies a firm commitment or a final decision, indicating that "this time it's for real".