A1verb1K

UK/["/kiːp/","/kiːps/","/kept/","/ˈkiːpɪŋ/"]/US/["/kiːp/","/kiːps/","/kept/","/ˈkiːpɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Keep

In simple words: To have or hold something in your possession.

Keep in a sentence

  • Please keep your room clean.
  • I will keep you updated on the project.
  • He tried to keep his promise.
  • She keeps her secrets safe.
  • They want to keep their options open.

How to use Keep

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.

Grammar pattern

keep + object

Memory hint

Think of 'keep' as 'to hold on to' something — like keeping a secret.

Related words

Collocations with Keep

Synonyms for Keep

Opposites of Keep

Common mistakes with Keep

  • Confusing 'keep' with 'keep on' which suggests continuation.
  • Using 'keep' without an object (e.g. saying 'I keep' instead of 'I keep it').
  • Incorrectly using 'kept' as a present tense.

Keep appears in

The Oxford 3000302812 Angry Men2797S1 E11421

S1 E1

S1 E11398

S1 E1

S1 E11038

S1 E1

The Fellowship Of The Ring2740S1 E21074

S1 E2

S1 E31155

S1 E3

S1 E51305

S1 E5

S1 E61164

S1 E6

S1 E71363

S1 E7

S1 E11632

S1 E1

S1 E11648

S1 E1

S1 E11091

S1 E1

S1 E11463

S1 E1

S1 E11727

S1 E1

S1 E11671

S1 E1

S1 E11113

S1 E1

S1 E11286

S1 E1

S1 E11934

S1 E1

S1 E11465

S1 E1

S1 E11463

S1 E1

S1 E12411

S1 E1

S1 E11423

S1 E1

S1 E11878

S1 E1

S1 E11962

S1 E1

S1 E11136

S1 E1

S1 E11923

S1 E1

S1 E11821

S1 E1

S1 E12201

S1 E1

Keep in other languages

More words like Keep

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Frequently asked questions about Keep

What does Keep mean?

To have or hold something in your possession.

What is the definition of Keep?

to continue to have something and not give it back or throw it away

How do you use Keep in a sentence?

Please keep your room clean.

Can you give another example of Keep?

I will keep you updated on the project.

What are synonyms for Keep?

Common alternatives include hold up.

What is the opposite of Keep?

Opposite meanings include discard, release, abandon.

What words go with Keep?

It commonly pairs with well.

What are common mistakes when using Keep?

Confusing 'keep' with 'keep on' which suggests continuation. Using 'keep' without an object (e.g. saying 'I keep' instead of 'I keep it'). Incorrectly using 'kept' as a present tense.

How do you pronounce Keep?

US: /["/kiːp/","/kiːps/","/kept/","/ˈkiːpɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/kiːp/","/kiːps/","/kept/","/ˈkiːpɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Keep?

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.

What CEFR level is Keep?

"Keep" is at A1 level on the CEFR scale.