keep them entertained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep them entertained" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of providing enjoyment or amusement to others, often in the context of activities or events. Example: "During the long flight, I brought several games to keep them entertained."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There are numerous colorful characters on hand to keep them entertained.

The New York Times

In addition, their packing list should include plenty of items that will keep them entertained.

The New York Times - Travel

I can't keep them entertained, educated, on schedule and keep up with the housework.

The New York Times

"More now than ever, people will whiz by your commercials if you don't keep them entertained," he said.

The New York Times

He takes crackers so the kids can make mini sandwiches out of the cheese and charcuterie, which can also help keep them entertained.

The New York Times - Travel

Lobo 2: £50, johnlewis.com This one feels solid and has a two-position recline, as well as a toy bar to keep them entertained.

Independent

And if you run out of ways to keep them entertained, the toy company WowWee also sells pint-size jungle gyms and playground sets for $25 to $40.

The Washington Post

Still, if Quantum Break's Gamescom demo was anything to go by, players will have plenty to keep them entertained when it's released next year.

The Guardian - Tech

About 20 fund assistants watched over the younger children and tried to keep them entertained with temporary tattoos and games of jacks and Go Fish.

The New York Times

"The casual viewer may not want to sit through a hard-core 'SportsCenter,"' Leone said, "so you have to give them information and keep them entertained.

The New York Times - Sports

To keep them entertained, Ms. Kasperzak does a lot of moves Indra Devi never would, like on her birthday when she posted a shot of herself upside down, eating a cupcake.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to "keep them entertained", consider your audience's preferences and tailor your content or activities accordingly. A diverse approach, incorporating various engaging elements, often yields the best results.

Common error

Avoid assuming what will "keep them entertained". Prioritize understanding your audience's specific interests and preferences to ensure genuine engagement, rather than relying on generic or outdated strategies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep them entertained" functions as a verb phrase, where "keep" is the main verb and "them entertained" acts as the object complement, describing the state you want "them" to be in. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep them entertained" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the act of providing amusement or enjoyment. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's versatile and applicable in various contexts, from planning travel activities to managing audiences. While alternatives like "amuse them" or "engage their interest" may be suitable depending on the context's formality, "keep them entertained" remains a straightforward and widely understood expression. Its prevalence in news media and general writing underscores its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

amuse them

Uses a simpler verb with the same direct object.

provide amusement for them

Adds formality and restructures the sentence.

supply them with entertainment

Adds formality and emphasizes the act of providing.

occupy their attention

Focuses on capturing and holding attention rather than general entertainment.

engage their interest

Highlights sparking curiosity and involvement.

divert their boredom

Specifically addresses alleviating boredom.

offer them diversion

Uses a more formal and somewhat less common term for entertainment.

hold their attention

Focuses specifically on maintaining their focus.

give them pleasure

Focuses on the positive emotional response.

cater to their enjoyment

Emphasizes satisfying their preferences for entertainment.

FAQs

How can I "keep them entertained" during a long car ride?

Prepare a variety of activities such as audiobooks, travel games, or interactive storytelling to "occupy their attention".

What's a more formal way to say "keep them entertained"?

You could use phrases like "provide amusement for them" or "offer them diversion" depending on the context.

How do you "keep them entertained" in a museum?

Use interactive exhibits, guided tours designed for different age groups, or scavenger hunts to "engage their interest".

What can I say instead of "keep them entertained" in a business presentation?

Consider using "hold their attention" or "maintain their engagement" to sound more professional.