keeping a pet

USAGE SUMMARY

"keeping a pet" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe the action of owning or caring for a domesticated animal. You can use it in many contexts, such as: - "My family loves keeping a pet. We have a dog, a cat, and two rabbits." - "Are you interested in keeping a pet turtle? They are low maintenance and can live for a long time." - "Keeping a pet can bring joy and companionship into your life." - "She spends most of her free time volunteering at the animal shelter, helping with the care of their many pets." - "I have never tried keeping a pet fish before, but I am excited to start learning about aquariums and caring for them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

A final bit of legal advice for the home secretary: in a 1970s case against Iceland brought by a man refused permission to keep a pet dog, the European Commission of Human Rights (a precursor of the current court) held that keeping a pet did not come within the scope of article 8. If anyone resists deportation on the grounds that he/she has a cat here, May can use that case.

The Guardian - Opinion

She'd already cared for it far beyond the point where keeping a pet made any sense.

The Guardian - Books

He had a sense of humour, apologizing to a visitor for not keeping a pet raven.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Among other things that remain unclear is the purpose of the set's chief prop, a terrarium in Henry's room in which he is keeping a pet lizard.

The New York Times

"Although keeping a pet can be challenging when cash is tight, some people may have discovered that they want the unconditional love that a pet gives you more".

The New York Times

The Northern Clemency, by Philip Hensher Katherine Glover has just been left by her husband and blows her top when she discovers that her son Tim has secretly been keeping a pet snake, bought with his pocket money, in his room.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

What about the morality of keeping a wolf as a pet?

The Guardian - Books

It is not a new thought that activities bring pleasure in inverse proportion to how recently they were invented (Facebook; the cello; reading; keeping a dog as a pet; making bread; having sex).

The Guardian - Books

Make sure that keeping a bird as a pet fits in with your lifestyle and you're willing to put in the regular care required for a caged bird for around 40 years (the lifespan of the conure).

WikiHow

This week, animal control seized a seven-foot, 200-pound alligator that a Missouri man was illegally keeping as a pet in his home and the guy really, really, really wants it back, WTKR reports.

Vice

Ask whether what kind of breed he is keeping for a pet, etc. Do not own the conversation because you may want to dig some truth about him as well.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing responsibilities, use "keeping a pet" to emphasize the ongoing commitment and care involved. It is more active than "having a pet".

Common error

Avoid using "keeping a pet" lightly. It implies a long-term commitment to the animal's well-being. Consider the time, resources, and emotional investment required before deciding to keep a pet.

Linguistic Context

"Keeping a pet" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the activity or concept of owning and caring for a pet. Ludwig AI shows its versatile use across various contexts, highlighting its role in expressing responsibilities and joys associated with pet ownership.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Keeping a pet" is a common and grammatically sound gerund phrase used to describe the ongoing responsibility of caring for a domestic animal. As Ludwig AI's analysis reveals, the phrase carries a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts, from news reports to casual conversations. While alternatives like "owning a pet" or "having a pet" exist, "keeping a pet" specifically emphasizes the active role and commitment involved in providing for an animal's well-being. Therefore, when precision in conveying continuous care is desired, "keeping a pet" is the most appropriate choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pet keeping

A more concise and formal way of expressing the same concept.

owning a pet

Focuses on the aspect of possession rather than the ongoing care.

having a pet

A more general term for pet ownership, lacking the implication of active care.

caring for a pet

Emphasizes the act of providing care and maintenance.

pet ownership

Formal term referring to the state or act of owning a pet.

looking after a pet

Similar to caring for, but with a slightly broader scope of responsibility.

maintaining a pet

Focuses on the ongoing effort to keep a pet healthy and well.

raising a pet

Implies a longer-term commitment from the early stages of the animal's life.

providing for a pet

Emphasizes the financial and practical aspects of pet ownership.

domesticating an animal

Focuses on the act of making an animal suitable for life with humans as a pet.

FAQs

What's the difference between "having a pet" and "keeping a pet"?

"Having a pet" is a more general term indicating ownership. "Keeping a pet" implies active care and responsibility for the animal's well-being.

What are some synonyms for "keeping a pet"?

Alternatives include "owning a pet", "caring for a pet", or simply "pet ownership", depending on the specific context.

Is "keeping a pet" formal or informal?

The phrase "keeping a pet" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

How do I use "keeping a pet" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe the act of owning and caring for an animal, such as "Keeping a pet requires time and dedication", or "She enjoys keeping a pet dog for companionship".