he has kept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he has kept" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are referring to someone maintaining something either in their possession or in a certain state. For example: "He has kept his promises and has been a loyal friend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He has kept that pledge.

The Economist

He has kept his word.

The New York Times

He has kept about his business, undaunted.

The New York Times

Yes, he has kept steady under fire.

Independent

He has kept his dignity," Dicks added.

Independent

He has kept quiet on state affairs.

The Economist

And he has kept scoring.

The New York Times - Sports

It's the only promise he has kept".

Independent

Moreover, he has kept competently enough.

The Guardian - Sport

He has kept in touch with me.

The Guardian - Sport

He has kept all his old eyes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he has kept", ensure the context clearly indicates what has been maintained, whether it's a promise, a secret, or an object. Clarity is key for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "he has kept" when a more specific verb would be more accurate. For example, instead of "he has kept the information", consider "he has retained the information" or "he has concealed the information" to add precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he has kept" functions as a verb phrase, specifically in the present perfect tense. It describes an action initiated in the past with continued relevance or completion in the present. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he has kept" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase in the present perfect tense. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for describing the act of maintaining something over time. Predominantly found in news and media sources, its neutral register makes it versatile for various writing contexts. Alternatives like "he has maintained" or "he has preserved" offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas. Using "he has kept" effectively involves ensuring clarity about what is being maintained and choosing the most specific verb when precision is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he has maintained

Focuses on the continuation of a state or condition.

he has preserved

Implies protecting something from harm or change.

he has retained

Suggests keeping possession of something.

he has upheld

Emphasizes adhering to a standard or principle.

he has honored

Specifically refers to fulfilling a commitment or promise.

he has sustained

Highlights the act of supporting or prolonging something.

he has complied with

Indicates adherence to rules or regulations.

he has remembered

Refers to keeping something in one's memory or awareness.

he has not forgotten

Emphasizes the continued awareness or mindfulness of something.

he has clung to

Suggests holding onto something tightly, often in a metaphorical sense.

FAQs

How can I use "he has kept" in a sentence?

You can use "he has kept" to describe someone maintaining something, such as "He has kept his promise to help" or "He has kept the secret safe".

What are some alternatives to "he has kept"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "he has maintained", "he has preserved", or "he has retained".

Is it correct to say "he has keeped" instead of "he has kept"?

No, "he has keeped" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "he has kept", which is the past participle of the verb "keep".

What's the difference between "he has kept" and "he kept"?

"He has kept" is in the present perfect tense, indicating an action that started in the past and continues to the present or has relevance to the present. "He kept" is in the simple past tense, indicating a completed action in the past.