keep

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'keep' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb meaning to possess, maintain, or hold onto something or to store something or as a noun meaning one's holdings or possessions. Example sentence: She has been keeping the family heirloom for two generations.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"In more congested areas or particularly busy times of the day, then vehicles on key roads might be given priority in order to keep the traffic flowing".

The Guardian - Tech

"I know that that this means to offer the right hand of friendship to keep the left hand free to deliver the knockout blow to break Britain apart.

The Guardian

We're playing pretty well right now, and we want to keep the focus on the field".

The New York Times - Sports

Keep them coming.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, Karimov has sought to keep Russia at arm's length.

The Guardian

"There was a group of us who had dinner together on a Tuesday night [at parliament] … I was sitting beside Mr Obeid at the time and was told 'Keep away from Ms Schott – they're coming after her,' " Costa said.

The Guardian

Whichever view you take, multicultural and tolerant or disapproving and fearful, the awkward fact is that we have not been breeding fast enough (or young enough) to keep society functioning without outside help, let alone educating ourselves to the levels a post-industrial economy is going to need.

The Guardian

"I have also heard that others are expecting the exact opposite and are hoping that I will deliver the clear and simple message here in London that the rest of Europe is not prepared to pay almost any price to keep Britain in the EU.

The Guardian

Keep up with the latest on Guardian Students: follow us on Twitter at @GdnStudents – and become a member to receive exclusive benefits and our weekly newsletter.

The Guardian

"The real question is how do we keep the good parts of innovation without being stuck with the bad," Rajan says.

The Economist

If you're a restaurant or a retailer, you have to work hard to insure that your customers keep coming back.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep" in your writing, consider the specific nuance you want to convey. For example, use "maintain" for ongoing preservation efforts, or "retain" to emphasize holding onto something against pressure.

Common error

Avoid using "keep" interchangeably with verbs like "maintain" or "preserve" without considering the subtle differences in meaning. "Keep" is a general term, while the others imply more specific actions.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "keep" is as a verb, indicating the act of retaining possession, maintaining a state, or continuing an action. Ludwig AI examples showcase its versatile use in different contexts, from "keep the traffic flowing" to "keep the focus on the field".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep" functions primarily as a verb with diverse meanings, including retaining possession, maintaining a state, or continuing an action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. Its neutrality allows for use in varied contexts. While alternative phrases like "maintain", "retain", and "preserve" exist, "keep" is frequently used in news and media. It's important to consider the specific context to ensure the most appropriate synonym is used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain

Implies a continuous effort to preserve something in its current state.

retain

Focuses on holding onto something, often against a force or pressure to give it up.

preserve

Highlights the act of protecting something from harm or decay.

hold

A more general term for having or possessing something.

conserve

Suggests careful use of resources to avoid waste.

safeguard

Emphasizes protection against potential dangers or threats.

guard

Implies actively watching over something to prevent loss or damage.

store

Focuses on placing something in a location for future use.

withhold

Suggests refraining from giving something.

sustain

Implies providing what is needed for something to continue existing.

FAQs

How to use "keep" in a sentence?

The word "keep" can be used in a variety of ways. It can mean to retain possession of something, as in "I will keep this souvenir". It can also mean to continue doing something, as in "Keep practicing your instrument".

What can I say instead of "keep"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "maintain", "retain", or "preserve".

Which is correct, "keep" or "continue to"?

Both "keep" and "continue to" can be correct, depending on the sentence. "Keep" is often more concise and direct. For example, "Keep trying" is often preferable to "Continue to try".

What's the difference between "keep" and "hold"?

"Keep" generally implies maintaining possession or continuing an action, while "hold" suggests a temporary grasp or state. For example, you "keep" a secret, but you "hold" a baby.