keep house

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep house" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to taking care of household responsibilities, such as chores, groceries, and other maintenance tasks. For example, "Max is used to keeping house while his wife works during the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Could she keep house?

The New York Times - Sports

How should we keep house?

Independent

Must keep house suitable for showing at all times.

The New York Times

She has a man to keep house for her, a former waiter named Paul.

The New Yorker

In Britain it is hard to see what can keep house prices above historical valuation levels.

The Economist

Perhaps, if I ever learn to keep house, I'll write it myself.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Conservatives can keep house-builders out of their green pastures, or they can keep their complaints about the unfairness of the electoral system.

The Economist

The government is battling to keep housing prices in check.

The Economist

We know how to keep houses from burning.

The Washington Post

Keep housing and bedding clean at all times.

The Guardian

Such a structure would keep housing costs down while limiting residents' exposure to the market.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "keep house", ensure that the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to general household management or a more specific set of domestic duties.

Common error

Avoid using "keep house" when you specifically mean only cleaning. The phrase encompasses broader responsibilities beyond just tidying up.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep house" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the action of managing and maintaining a household. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it often refers to tasks like cleaning, cooking, and general home maintenance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep house" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that describes the management and maintenance of a household. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in various contexts. It encompasses a range of domestic duties and is often used to describe someone's role or responsibility within a home. While its register is generally neutral, it appears frequently in news articles, encyclopedias, and general writing, making it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary. Related phrases like "manage the household" or "run the home" can provide alternative ways to express similar ideas with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

manage the household

Focuses on the managerial aspect of running a home.

run the home

Emphasizes the active control and operation of a household.

maintain the home

Highlights the upkeep and preservation of the house.

take care of the house

A more general term for looking after the physical space.

do the housework

Specifically refers to the chores and tasks involved.

handle domestic duties

Formal and emphasizes the responsibilities of home care.

oversee home operations

Suggests a supervisory role in managing the household.

be in charge of the home

Highlights the authority and responsibility for the house.

tend to the house

Implies a caring and attentive approach to household tasks.

look after the household

Focuses on the well-being and smooth running of the household.

FAQs

How to use "keep house" in a sentence?

You can use "keep house" to describe managing a household, as in "She decided to "keep house" while her partner worked full-time".

What can I say instead of "keep house"?

Alternatives include "manage the household", "run the home", or "take care of the house", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Which is correct, "keep house" or "keeping house"?

"Keep house" is the base form, while "keeping house" is the gerund or present participle form, used in continuous tenses or as a noun. For example, "Keeping house is a demanding job".

What does it mean to "keep house for someone"?

To "keep house for someone" means to manage their household on their behalf, taking care of chores, cooking, and other domestic duties. For example, "She was hired to "keep house" for an elderly gentleman".