keep as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to retaining something in a particular state or condition. Example: "Please keep this document as a reference for future meetings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Instead of keeping chips in the house, consider purchasing raw, unpopped popcorn and air pop a few cups to keep as a snack.

WikiHow

They are impossible to keep as a Conservative".

Independent

Keep as a memento, not as an investment.

The Guardian - Money

"There's a Trident A Range console there I'd love to keep as a memento," he says.

The Guardian - Music

Among them is a single nightingale (they are too aggressive to keep as a pair).

The Guardian - Arts

Maybe I'd buy a homely Compass, too, just to keep as a threat.

The New York Times

Yet just five years ago, she was emotionally adrift in her native Prague, earning her keep as a nude model.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, not just anyone can p-p-p-pick up a piglet to keep as a pet.

Independent

Back in America, after graduate studies in England, he earned his keep as a writer and became an H-1.

The New Yorker

A lad of many parts but few prospects, he earned his keep as a barker for the fairs.

Independent

Hilary, Corrine's unreliable sister, who donated eggs so that she could conceive, doesn't earn her keep as a character.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep as a" to clearly indicate the intended purpose or state of something being retained, such as "keep this receipt as a proof of purchase".

Common error

While "keep as a" is versatile, it might sound too informal in certain professional contexts. Opt for alternatives like "retain as a" or "preserve as a" for a more polished tone in formal reports or business communications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep as a" primarily functions as a phrasal verb construction, indicating the action of retaining something for a specific purpose or state. Ludwig AI confirms its regular usage. For instance, "keep as a souvenir" suggests the purpose of remembering, while "keep as a pet" indicates the state of being a domestic animal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

34%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep as a" is a versatile and commonly used expression that indicates the act of retaining something for a specific purpose or in a certain state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently across various contexts, including news, wikis, and scientific articles. While generally neutral in tone, it leans towards informal, suggesting that more formal alternatives like "retain as a" might be more appropriate in professional settings. To ensure clarity, use "keep as a" to explicitly state the intended use or condition of whatever is being kept. Consider using alternative phrases when a more formal or nuanced meaning is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

retain as

Emphasizes the act of holding onto something in the same form or function.

maintain as

Focuses on preserving the current state or condition of something.

preserve as

Highlights the effort to protect something from decay or change.

hold as

Suggests a temporary retention or a specific purpose for keeping something.

save as

Implies keeping something for future use or need.

store as

Focuses on keeping something in a specific place or format.

file as

Specifically relates to organizing and keeping documents or records.

designate as

Highlights the act of assigning a specific role or purpose.

reserve as

Suggests setting something aside for a particular use or person.

allocate as

Implies distributing or assigning something for a specific purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "keep as a" in a sentence?

The phrase "keep as a" is used to indicate that something is being retained for a specific purpose or in a certain condition. For example, "Keep this ticket "as a souvenir"" or "Keep this file "as a reference"".

What are some alternatives to "keep as a"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "retain as", "maintain as", "preserve as", or "hold as" to express a similar idea. For instance, instead of "keep as a reminder", you might say "retain as a reminder".

Is "keep as a" formal or informal?

The phrase "keep as a" is generally considered neutral to informal. In more formal settings, alternatives like "retain as a" or "preserve as a" might be more appropriate. The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired tone.

What's the difference between "keep as a" and "retain as a"?

While both phrases convey the idea of holding onto something, "retain as a" is typically considered more formal than "keep as a". Use "retain as a" in professional or academic writing where a more sophisticated tone is desired. "Keep as a" is suitable for everyday conversation and less formal writing.