we have kept

USAGE SUMMARY

"we have kept" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to convey that you are still maintaining an object, state, or action. For example, "We have kept our promise to visit every summer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We have kept our word".

The New York Times

"Should we have kept it?

The New York Times - Magazine

We have kept our promise".True enough.

The Economist

We have kept our promise.

The New York Times

"But we have kept our faith going.

The Guardian - Sport

We have kept this area beautiful.

The New York Times

But we have kept our policy firm".

The Guardian

"We have kept all options open," he said.

The New York Times

"First of all, we have kept Iraq united," he said.

The New Yorker

Could we have kept Cuadrado until the summer?

The Guardian - Sport

We have kept this up for several years now.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we have kept" to emphasize the ongoing nature of an action or state, particularly when highlighting consistency or commitment over time.

Common error

Avoid using "we have kept" in situations where a more direct, active voice would be clearer and more concise. For example, instead of "The secret was kept by us", use "We kept the secret".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we have kept" functions as a present perfect tense construction. It indicates an action that started in the past and continues to have relevance in the present. This is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis, confirming its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we have kept" is a versatile phrase used to convey the continuation of an action or state from the past to the present. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in various contexts. Its frequency is considered very common, with usage spanning across news, scientific, and business domains. When writing, be mindful of using active voice constructions where appropriate. The phrase is generally neutral to professional in register, depending on the specific context and source. Understanding these nuances will allow for more effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we have maintained

Focuses on the continuation of a state or condition.

we have preserved

Emphasizes the act of protecting something from harm or change.

we have retained

Highlights the act of keeping possession of something.

we have upheld

Implies maintaining a principle, law, or decision.

we have honored

Suggests fulfilling a commitment or promise.

we have observed

Highlights adherence to a rule, law, or custom.

we have guarded

Emphasizes protecting something against potential threats.

we have secured

Highlights the attainment and keeping of something.

we have sustained

Focuses on providing support or nourishment to maintain something.

we have continued

Indicates the unbroken continuation of an action or state.

FAQs

How can I use "we have kept" in a sentence?

Use "we have kept" to express the continuation of an action, state, or promise. For instance, "we have kept our promise" or "we have kept the tradition alive".

What are some alternatives to "we have kept"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "we have maintained", "we have preserved", or "we have retained".

Is there a difference between "we have kept" and "we kept"?

"We have kept" implies a continued state or action that started in the past and continues to the present. "We kept" refers to a completed action in the past without necessarily implying continuation.

When is it appropriate to use "we have kept" in formal writing?

It is appropriate to use "we have kept" in formal writing to express sustained actions, continued commitments, or ongoing adherence to policies and agreements. Make sure that its usage is not excessively passive and use more active alternatives such as "we maintained" for clarity if needed.