keeps

USAGE SUMMARY

"keeps" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it as a verb, typically meaning to maintain or to persist in something. For example, "She keeps her room clean at all times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Related: Clinton campaign keeps progressives guessing: how far left will she go?

The Guardian

It keeps me awake at night".

The New York Times

This stability is vital in attracting the business and international investment that delivers growth and jobs, and which keeps long-term interest rates low.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even during the tense climax, he keeps things light, combining smiley walkout with stinging kicker: "It's getting a little Diane Sawyer in here," referencing the famously intrusive interviewer.

The Guardian - Opinion

His brother keeps asking what's wrong with him.

The Guardian

"The increase has been consistent... and demand on the [phone] line keeps going up and up and up," she said.

The Guardian

Their awkwardness at black people protesting the death of Eric Garner at the hands of the police, meanwhile, is clear evidence of the racism that keeps pictures like Selma off ballot sheets.

The Guardian - Film

E keeps throwing tantrums because C's milkshake is bigger than his.

The Guardian

And maybe this is what keeps things fresh when facing the mundanity of everyday life and the daily commute.

The Guardian

"Accept the sensations as they arise, no craving and no aversion, they will pass," he keeps saying.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

GCHQ keeps the content of messages for three working days, and the simple "metadata" – which includes details of who sent and received them – for up to 30 days.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keeps", ensure the subject agrees in number and person (e.g., "he keeps", not "he keep").

Common error

Avoid using the base form "keep" when the subject is singular and third person; use "keeps" instead (e.g., "She keeps", not "She keep").

Linguistic Context

The word "keeps" primarily functions as a third-person singular present tense verb. It indicates that a singular subject performs the action of maintaining, continuing, or retaining something. Ludwig AI indicates that "keeps" is a correct and usable word in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keeps" functions as a third-person singular present tense verb that signifies maintaining, continuing, or retaining. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, "keeps" maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. While it's a very common word, ensure the subject-verb agreement for grammatically sound usage. For similar meanings, consider alternatives such as "maintains", "preserves", or "sustains" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continues to

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of an action or state.

maintains

Focuses on upholding or preserving something in its current state.

sustains

Highlights the act of supporting or maintaining something over time.

preserves

Emphasizes protecting something from decay or harm.

safeguards

Emphasizes protecting something from potential harm or risk.

retains

Indicates holding onto or keeping possession of something.

holds onto

Suggests tightly grasping or maintaining possession.

persists in

Implies a continued effort or determination in the face of difficulty.

perpetuates

Focuses on causing something to continue indefinitely.

conserves

Highlights careful management and preservation of resources.

FAQs

How do I use "keeps" in a sentence?

"Keeps" is the third-person singular form of the verb "keep". Use it when the subject is a singular noun or pronoun (he, she, it). For example, "He "keeps" his room tidy".

What's the difference between "keeps" and "keep"?

"Keeps" is used with singular subjects in the present tense (e.g., "She "keeps" a diary"), while "keep" is used with plural subjects (e.g., "They "keep" secrets").

What can I say instead of "keeps" to express the idea of maintaining?

You can use alternatives like "maintains", "preserves", or "sustains" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "keep" instead of "keeps" with a singular subject?

No, it's grammatically incorrect. With a singular subject in the present tense, the correct form is ""keeps"".