get to keep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get to keep" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the opportunity or permission to retain something, often after a specific event or condition. Example: "After the contest, the winner will get to keep the prize money."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Benedict will not get to keep it.

The New York Times

Do I get to keep it?

The New York Times

Didn't get to keep my hat".

The New York Times

"But I get to keep my job.

The New York Times

"You get to keep $480m.

The Guardian - Business

"You get to keep all of this".

The New Yorker

Shouldn't I get to keep him?

The New York Times - Magazine

You get to keep the spider.

The New York Times - Food

And I get to keep it.

The New York Times

"But I get to keep mine on.

The New York Times

"I hope I get to keep them".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "get to keep", ensure the context clearly indicates who is granting permission or allowing the retention. For example, "If you win the competition, you get to keep the trophy".

Common error

Avoid using "get to keep" when the situation implies an obligation rather than a privilege. For example, instead of saying "You get to keep working until you finish the project", use "You have to keep working".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get to keep" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing permission, opportunity, or privilege to retain possession of something. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in diverse contexts, from retaining a job to keeping a prize.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get to keep" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the idea of being allowed or having the privilege to retain something. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives like "allowed to retain" or "permitted to keep" exist, "get to keep" strikes a balance between informality and clarity. It's essential to use it when expressing a privilege rather than an obligation, ensuring its connotation aligns with the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get to retain

Similar to "get to keep" but uses 'retain' which might be slightly more formal.

may keep

A more concise and slightly more formal alternative.

allowed to retain

Emphasizes permission or authorization to keep something.

permitted to keep

Similar to 'allowed to retain', but may imply a more formal or official authorization.

entitled to keep

Suggests a right or legal basis for retaining something.

have the right to keep

Clearly states a legal or moral right to retain something.

can maintain possession of

Focuses on the act of maintaining control or ownership.

are authorized to retain

Highlights official approval to keep something.

keep in one's possession

Emphasizes the ongoing state of having something.

are able to hold on to

Suggests effort or ability in maintaining possession.

FAQs

What does "get to keep" mean?

The phrase "get to keep" signifies that someone is allowed or has the opportunity to retain something, often implying a sense of privilege or permission. It suggests that the person can continue to possess or use something after a specific event or condition has been met.

How can I use "get to keep" in a sentence?

You can use "get to keep" to indicate that someone has the right or permission to retain something. For example: "If you find a lost item and no one claims it, you "may keep" it."

What are some alternatives to "get to keep"?

Alternatives include "allowed to retain", "permitted to keep", or "entitled to keep" depending on the specific context. These alternatives offer similar meanings but may vary slightly in formality or emphasis.

Is it correct to say "got to keep" instead of "get to keep"?

While "got to keep" might be heard in informal speech, "get to keep" is generally considered more grammatically correct in formal writing. However in some dialects "got to" can have a similar use to "have got to" which is a different grammatical form.