keeping

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keeping" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, often related to maintaining or holding onto something. Example: "Keeping a positive attitude can greatly influence your success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But those few extra thousand votes could keep the Greens ahead of the BNP – and that is the scenario with the best chance of keeping Griffin out.

The Guardian - Opinion

We will now pledge to keep the critical dialogue going over Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and via blogs, television, radio, and print media, keeping pressure on our governments and our militaries to act swiftly, effectively, and morally.

The Guardian

Close observers of his military say Syria is having trouble keeping its sophisticated and maintenance-intensive weapons functioning.

The New York Times

When it was reported in November 2012 that Carr was keeping a diary of his time as foreign minister with the intent of publishing it – based on the accounts of numerous sources – Carr immediately issued a statement denying he was writing a book.

The Guardian

People would pay their taxes when they buy things and wouldn't need to worry about keeping records or filing tax returns at all.

The New York Times

The uncertainty that's keeping businesses from spending or hiring isn't uncertainty about what Barack Obama is doing or saying.

The Economist

I don't like to spread panic unless I absolutely have to, but looking at Gove's pop-up initiatives, I think we ought be keeping our eye on the bubbles.

The Guardian

Bernstein's way of keeping the mayor under control might be constitutionally baroque, but as Osborne told Bernstein, "I know your record, so I will live with your model".

The Guardian

They're not trying to palm you off with dodgy clothes; it's just their particular method of stock keeping, but it's worth checking they've given you the right size.

The Guardian - Travel

Family planning officials will make home visits and offer counselling and financial advice in a dramatic shift away from the 30-year priority of simply keeping the population down.

The Guardian

But attracting and keeping talented trustees, non-executive directors (Neds) and senior managers is a constant test.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity, use a more specific verb if the nuance of maintaining, retaining, or preserving is important. Instead of "keeping information", consider "retaining information" or "preserving information".

Common error

Avoid using "keeping" when a stronger verb would more accurately convey the intended meaning. For instance, instead of "keeping a secret," consider "guarding a secret" to emphasize the protective aspect.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "keeping" is as a present participle or gerund form of the verb "keep". As seen in Ludwig's examples, it often functions as part of a continuous verb tense (e.g., "is keeping") or as a noun (gerund) indicating an action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Opinion

20%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Travel

5%

Books

3%

Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keeping" is a versatile verb form used primarily as a present participle or gerund, indicating continuation, maintenance, or adherence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may sometimes be appropriate. The phrase is frequently used in News & Media and Opinion contexts, with sources like The Guardian and The New York Times providing numerous examples. For alternative phrasing, consider options such as "maintaining", "retaining", or "preserving" to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintaining

Focuses on the continuation of a state or condition.

retaining

Emphasizes holding onto something rather than letting it go.

preserving

Highlights protecting something from harm or decay.

holding onto

Implies resisting the urge to release or discard something.

conserving

Suggests careful management to avoid depletion.

safeguarding

Emphasizes protecting something from potential danger or harm.

upholding

Focuses on maintaining standards or principles.

sustaining

Highlights the act of providing support or nourishment to maintain something.

guarding

Implies protecting something from theft, damage, or intrusion.

securing

Focuses on making something safe and stable, ensuring its preservation.

FAQs

How can I use "keeping" in a sentence?

"Keeping" can be used to express the idea of maintaining a state, possessing something, or adhering to a commitment. For example, "She is "keeping the promise"" or "They are "keeping the house clean"".

What's a good alternative to "keeping"?

Alternatives to "keeping" include "maintaining", "retaining", "preserving", or "holding onto", depending on the context.

Is "keeping" formal or informal?

"Keeping" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for very formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "preserving" or "maintaining".

What is the difference between "keeping" and "maintaining"?

While both "keeping" and "maintaining" suggest continuation, "keeping" often implies possession or adherence, while "maintaining" focuses on preserving a condition or standard. For example, "keeping a secret" versus "maintaining a healthy lifestyle".