Keep vs Retain

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

	Keep	Retain
Meaning	To have or hold something in your possession.	To keep or hold something.
CEFR level	A1	B2
Part of speech	verb	verb
Usage notes	Use 'keep' when you want to indicate retaining something. It is suitable for both spoken and written contexts. Avoid using 'keep' in overly formal writing; alternatives like 'retain' may be better.	Use 'retain' when discussing keeping information, objects, or qualities. It's more formal than 'keep'. Avoid in casual speech.

Frequently asked questions: Keep vs Retain

What's the difference between "Keep" and "Retain"?

"Keep" means: To have or hold something in your possession. "Retain" means: To keep or hold something.

When should I use "Keep" and "Retain"?

They can all be used in everyday English.

Are "Keep" and "Retain" the same CEFR level?

"Keep" is at A1, "Retain" is at B2 on the CEFR scale.