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A1 verb #109 le plus courant 16 min de lecture

keep

Top 109

At the A1 level, 'keep' is primarily understood as a word for possession and simple instructions. A beginner learns that 'keep' means to continue to have something. For example, 'I keep my books in my bag.' It is often taught alongside personal belongings. A1 learners also encounter 'keep' in basic imperatives like 'Keep quiet' or 'Keep calm.' The focus at this level is on the physical act of holding onto an object or following a simple rule about one's behavior. The past tense 'kept' might be introduced, but the primary usage is in the present simple. Learners are encouraged to use 'keep' to describe where they store things at home or in school. It is a 'utility' word that helps them describe their environment and follow basic classroom directions. The concept of 'keep + -ing' is usually not the focus here, as the emphasis is on simple Subject-Verb-Object structures. By the end of A1, a student should be able to say 'You can keep this pen' or 'I keep my clothes in the closet' without hesitation. They understand 'keep' as the opposite of 'give' or 'throw away.'

At the A2 level, learners begin to use 'keep' to describe habits and ongoing states. This is where the 'keep + -ing' pattern is introduced. An A2 student can say 'It keeps raining' or 'He keeps talking.' They understand that 'keep' adds a sense of 'again and again' to another action. They also start to learn common collocations and phrasal verbs like 'keep on' and 'keep away.' The social aspect of 'keep' becomes more prominent, such as 'keep a secret' or 'keep a promise.' A2 learners are expected to use 'keep' to describe their daily routines and the maintenance of their personal space, such as 'I keep my room tidy.' They also begin to distinguish between 'keep' and 'stay' in basic contexts, although they might still make mistakes. The use of 'keep' to mean 'to store' expands to more abstract items like 'keeping a diary.' At this level, the goal is to move beyond simple possession and start using 'keep' to describe the duration of actions and the stability of conditions in their immediate world.

By the B1 level, students are expected to use 'keep' with much more flexibility and accuracy. They should be comfortable with the 'keep + object + adjective' pattern, such as 'The coat keeps me warm.' This shows an understanding of how one thing affects the state of another. B1 learners also start using 'keep' in more professional and social idioms, like 'keep in touch,' 'keep an eye on,' and 'keep up with.' They can use 'keep' to give more complex advice and instructions. Their understanding of the past tense 'kept' is solid, and they can use it in storytelling to describe continuous background actions. They also begin to see 'keep' in more formal contexts, such as 'keeping records' or 'keeping the peace.' At B1, the distinction between 'keep,' 'hold,' and 'stay' should be much clearer. Learners are also introduced to the idea of 'keep' as a way to prevent something, using the 'keep from' structure, like 'The rain kept us from going out.' This level marks the transition from using 'keep' as a simple verb to using it as a versatile tool for describing cause and effect, social maintenance, and complex physical states.

At the B2 level, 'keep' is used with nuance and idiomatic richness. A B2 learner can use 'keep' to express subtle shades of meaning, such as 'keep your head' (stay calm) or 'keep someone at arm's length' (maintain distance in a relationship). They are expected to understand and use a wide range of phrasal verbs like 'keep back,' 'keep down,' 'keep off,' and 'keep out' in both literal and figurative senses. For example, they might use 'keep down' to talk about suppressing a sound or 'keeping down' the cost of a project. B2 students also use 'keep' in more sophisticated grammatical structures, such as the passive voice ('The records are kept in the basement') or in conditional sentences. They can discuss abstract concepts like 'keeping one's dignity' or 'keeping a straight face.' At this level, the learner is not just using the word; they are choosing it over synonyms like 'maintain' or 'retain' to achieve a specific tone. They understand the rhythmic and stylistic role 'keep' plays in English, especially in common expressions and proverbs like 'An apple a day keeps the doctor away.'

At the C1 level, the use of 'keep' becomes highly idiomatic and context-sensitive. C1 learners use 'keep' in specialized domains like law, literature, and high-level business. They understand phrases like 'keep counsel' (be secretive), 'keep abreast of' (stay informed), and 'keep a weather eye out' (be very alert). They can use 'keep' to describe complex psychological states, such as 'keeping one's demons at bay.' Their use of 'keep' is effortless and integrates perfectly with advanced vocabulary. They can distinguish between the subtle differences of 'keep,' 'preserve,' 'sustain,' and 'conserve' in academic writing. For instance, they would know when to use 'sustain an injury' versus 'keep an injury' (which is incorrect). C1 learners also appreciate the historical and literary weight of the word, recognizing it in older texts or formal speeches. They can use 'keep' to create emphasis or to soften a command, showing a high degree of sociolinguistic competence. The word 'keep' at this level is a brush for fine-tuning the texture of their communication, allowing for precision in describing duration, possession, and maintenance.

At the C2 level, 'keep' is used with the mastery of a native speaker, including all its most obscure and metaphorical applications. A C2 learner can navigate the most complex uses of 'keep,' such as in legal jargon ('to keep and maintain') or in poetic contexts where 'keep' might refer to the essence of a person's soul or duty. They are comfortable with the word's role in complex phrasal structures and can use it to convey irony, sarcasm, or deep emotional resonance. They understand the etymological roots and how they influence modern usage. A C2 learner might use 'keep' in a sentence like 'The inherent fragility of the peace was kept in check only by the threat of mutual destruction,' showing a perfect grasp of both the grammar and the high-level conceptual application. They can play with the word, using it in puns or creative writing to evoke specific feelings of security, entrapment, or persistence. At this level, 'keep' is no longer a vocabulary item to be learned, but a versatile instrument that the speaker plays with total control, adapting it to any register from the most informal slang to the most elevated discourse.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

keep en 30 secondes

Keep means to continue having something or to stay in a specific state without changing.
It is an irregular verb (keep, kept, kept) used for possession, habits, and maintenance.
Commonly used in phrases like 'keep a secret,' 'keep quiet,' and 'keep on trying.'
Grammatically, it often pairs with nouns, adjectives, or verbs ending in '-ing'.

The word keep is one of the most versatile and foundational verbs in the English language. At its most basic level, it refers to the act of retaining possession of an object or maintaining a specific state. When you keep something, you do not give it away, throw it away, or lose it. It implies a sense of continuity and preservation. For instance, if you find a beautiful stone on the beach and decide to put it in your pocket to take home, you are keeping that stone. This physical sense of possession is the first thing learners usually encounter, but the word expands far beyond physical objects into the realms of behavior, promises, and time management.

Physical Possession: To continue to have something in your hand, pocket, or home. It is the opposite of giving something away or discarding it.

Beyond the physical, 'keep' is used to describe the maintenance of a condition. If you 'keep quiet,' you are maintaining a state of silence. If you 'keep warm,' you are ensuring your body temperature does not drop. This usage is crucial because it links the verb to adjectives, creating a bridge between action and state of being. In daily conversation, people use 'keep' to talk about habits and repetitive actions. When someone says, 'I keep forgetting my keys,' they are describing a recurring event that continues to happen over time. This aspect of 'keep' as a marker of duration or repetition is a key part of its utility in English.

You can keep the change after you pay for the coffee.

In social contexts, 'keep' often relates to reliability and trust. To 'keep a promise' means to fulfill what you said you would do. To 'keep a secret' means to not tell anyone else the private information you have been given. These abstract uses are deeply rooted in the idea of 'holding' something—holding a word or holding information within oneself. In a professional setting, 'keep' might refer to records or schedules. A shopkeeper 'keeps' a shop, meaning they manage and maintain it. A secretary 'keeps' the minutes of a meeting, meaning they record and preserve the discussion for future reference.

State Maintenance: To remain in a specific condition without changing, such as keeping calm during an emergency or keeping a room clean.

Please keep the door closed to prevent the cold air from entering the room.

The word also carries a sense of protection. When we 'keep' someone safe, we are acting as a barrier between them and potential harm. This protective nuance is found in phrases like 'keep watch' or 'keep an eye on.' In these instances, 'keep' implies a continuous focus or vigilance. Historically, the word 'keep' was even used as a noun to describe the strongest, innermost tower of a medieval castle—the place where people would be kept safe during an attack. This historical context reinforces the idea of 'keep' as a word about security, duration, and the preservation of what is valuable.

I will keep your bag here while you go into the store.

Repetitive Action: Used with a gerund to show that an action happens many times or continues without stopping, like 'he keeps calling me.'

She keeps practicing the piano every single day to improve her skills.

Finally, 'keep' is used in many idiomatic expressions that are essential for natural-sounding English. Phrases like 'keep in touch' (maintain communication) or 'keep your chin up' (stay positive) are used daily. Understanding 'keep' requires looking at the words that surround it. Whether it is keeping a diary, keeping a pet, or keeping the peace, the core essence remains the same: the act of holding onto something—be it an object, a feeling, a relationship, or a duty—and ensuring it remains exactly where it is or continues as it should.

We should keep in touch after the summer holidays end.

Using the word keep correctly involves understanding its several distinct grammatical patterns. Each pattern changes the meaning slightly, so it is important to master the structures. The most common way to use 'keep' is with a direct object. This is the 'possession' sense of the word. You have something, and you continue to have it. For example, 'I will keep this book.' Here, the subject (I) is performing the action (keep) on the object (this book). This is straightforward and follows the standard Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) order of English sentences.

Pattern 1: Keep + Noun: This pattern indicates possession or storage. Example: 'Where do you keep your keys?' or 'She keeps her old letters in a box.'

The second major pattern is 'keep' followed by an adjective. This structure describes maintaining a state or condition. In this case, 'keep' acts almost like a linking verb. When you say 'keep calm,' you are telling someone to stay in the state of being calm. This is very common in instructions and advice. You might hear 'keep warm,' 'keep safe,' or 'keep busy.' The adjective describes the subject's state that needs to be maintained. It is important to note that we do not use an adverb here; we say 'keep quiet' (adjective), not 'keep quietly' (adverb), because we are describing the state of the person, not the manner of the keeping.

Please keep quiet while the baby is sleeping in the next room.

A third and very frequent pattern is 'keep' followed by a verb in the '-ing' form (the gerund). This pattern is used to express that an action is continuous or repeated. For example, 'He kept talking even after the bell rang.' This means the action of talking continued. This is a common area for mistakes, as many learners want to use the infinitive ('to talk'). However, 'keep' never takes the infinitive. You must say 'keep walking,' 'keep trying,' or 'keep looking.' This pattern is often used to express frustration with a repetitive habit, such as 'It keeps raining every weekend.'

Pattern 2: Keep + Gerund (-ing): This pattern indicates a continuous or repeated action. Example: 'Keep working until you finish the task' or 'They kept laughing at his jokes.'

The engine keeps making a strange noise whenever I start the car.

Another sophisticated pattern is 'keep + object + adjective/prepositional phrase.' This is used when you want to maintain the state of *something else*. For example, 'I keep my room clean.' Here, the object is 'my room,' and the state being maintained is 'clean.' Another example is 'Keep your hands off the table.' The object is 'your hands,' and the position is 'off the table.' This pattern is vital for giving directions or describing how you organize your life. It shows that you are the agent of control over the state of an external object.

Pattern 3: Keep + Object + Adjective: This pattern describes maintaining the state of an object. Example: 'The refrigerator keeps the food fresh' or 'She keeps her desk organized.'

He keeps his car very clean because he washes it every Saturday.

Finally, 'keep' is used with 'from' to indicate prevention. The pattern is 'keep + object + from + gerund.' For example, 'The umbrella kept me from getting wet.' This means the umbrella prevented the action of getting wet. This is a slightly more advanced structure but very useful for explaining why something didn't happen or how an obstacle was managed. By mastering these five patterns—keep + noun, keep + adjective, keep + gerund, keep + object + adjective, and keep + object + from + gerund—you will be able to use 'keep' in almost any context with confidence and accuracy.

The high fence keeps the dogs from escaping into the busy street.

The word keep is omnipresent in English-speaking environments, appearing in everything from casual street slang to formal legal documents. In a typical household, you will hear it constantly. Parents might tell their children to 'keep your room tidy' or 'keep away from the stove.' In these contexts, 'keep' is a tool for instruction and safety. It is a word that sets boundaries and expectations for behavior. When you visit a friend, they might say, 'Keep your coat on if you're cold,' or 'You can keep your shoes on.' Here, it is used to offer comfort and hospitality, showing that the word is deeply embedded in social etiquette.

In the Workplace: Professional environments use 'keep' to discuss deadlines and standards. 'Keep me posted' means 'continue to give me updates,' while 'keep to the schedule' means 'follow the plan strictly.'

In the world of commerce and retail, 'keep' is a standard term. If you go to a store and pay with a large bill, the cashier might say, 'Keep the receipt,' which is advice to hold onto the proof of purchase for potential returns. If you are at a restaurant and leave a tip, you might say to the waiter, 'Keep the change.' This is a very common idiomatic use where 'keep' signifies a transfer of ownership as a gift. In business meetings, you might hear the phrase 'keep it simple,' which is a common mantra for effective communication and product design. It encourages people not to overcomplicate things.

The manager told the team to keep the project details confidential until the official launch.

The media—including movies, music, and news—is another place where 'keep' is used extensively. In action movies, a character might shout, 'Keep your head down!' during a chase scene. In romantic songs, lyrics often revolve around 'keeping' a love alive or 'keeping' a promise to a partner. News anchors might report that 'the police are keeping a close watch on the situation.' This highlights the word's role in describing surveillance and ongoing attention. It is a word that conveys a sense of duration that is essential for storytelling and reporting on events that are still unfolding.

In Technology: Apps and websites often ask if you want to 'keep me logged in.' This uses 'keep' to describe a persistent digital state, saving the user from having to re-enter their password.

Please keep the volume down; I am trying to concentrate on my homework.

In sports and physical activities, 'keep' is used to describe technique and endurance. A coach might yell, 'Keep your eyes on the ball!' or 'Keep going, you're almost at the finish line!' Here, 'keep' is a word of motivation and focus. It emphasizes the need for continuous effort. In health and fitness, people talk about 'keeping fit' or 'keeping a healthy diet.' This usage shows that 'keep' is not just about a single moment, but about a lifestyle and the ongoing effort required to maintain a certain level of well-being. It is a word that bridges the gap between a goal and the daily actions needed to achieve it.

The athlete had to keep a strict training schedule to prepare for the Olympic Games.

In Social Media: Influencers often say 'keep following for more' or 'keep the comments coming.' This uses 'keep' to encourage engagement and the continuation of a digital community.

If you keep scrolling, you will find the link to the recipe at the bottom of the page.

Even though keep is a basic word, it is a frequent source of errors for English learners. One of the most common mistakes is confusing 'keep' with 'stay.' While both words relate to remaining in a state, they are used differently. 'Stay' is generally used for a person's location or a temporary condition (e.g., 'stay at a hotel' or 'stay calm'). 'Keep' is used when there is an object involved or when describing the maintenance of a state over time (e.g., 'keep the room clean'). You cannot say 'I will keep at a hotel'; you must say 'stay.' Conversely, you don't 'stay a secret'; you 'keep a secret.'

Mistake: Keep vs. Stay: Incorrect: 'I want to keep in this house.' Correct: 'I want to stay in this house.' Incorrect: 'Stay the door closed.' Correct: 'Keep the door closed.'

Another very frequent error occurs with the verb patterns that follow 'keep.' As mentioned before, 'keep' must be followed by a gerund (-ing form) when describing a continuous action. Many learners mistakenly use the infinitive (to + verb). For example, a student might say, 'He keeps to ask me questions.' This is incorrect. The correct form is 'He keeps asking me questions.' This mistake often happens because other verbs like 'want' or 'hope' do use the infinitive. Remembering that 'keep' is part of the 'gerund-only' group of verbs is essential for grammatical accuracy.

Incorrect: She keeps to try her best. Correct: She keeps trying her best.

A third common mistake involves the use of 'keep' versus 'hold.' While both can mean having something in your hand, 'hold' is usually a physical, temporary action. You 'hold' a cup while you drink from it. 'Keep' implies a longer-term possession or storage. You 'keep' a cup in your cupboard. If you say 'I will hold this book,' it means you are physically supporting it right now. If you say 'I will keep this book,' it means you are going to own it or look after it for a long time. Confusing these two can lead to misunderstandings about your intentions regarding an object.

Mistake: Keep vs. Hold: Incorrect: 'Can you keep my hand?' (unless you mean keep it in a jar!). Correct: 'Can you hold my hand?' Incorrect: 'I will hold your secret.' Correct: 'I will keep your secret.'

Incorrect: Please hold the change. Correct: Please keep the change.

Learners also struggle with the phrasal verbs associated with 'keep.' For example, 'keep up' and 'keep on' are often used interchangeably by mistake. 'Keep on' means to continue doing something (e.g., 'keep on dancing'). 'Keep up' means to maintain a certain speed or level (e.g., 'keep up with the class'). Using 'keep on' when you mean 'keep up' can change the meaning of your sentence from one of performance to one of simple continuation. Similarly, 'keep away' (stay at a distance) is very different from 'keep out' (do not enter), though both involve distance and prevention.

Mistake: Phrasal Verb Confusion: Incorrect: 'Keep on the good work!' Correct: 'Keep up the good work!' Incorrect: 'He kept up talking.' Correct: 'He kept on talking.'

Incorrect: The sign said keep away the grass. Correct: The sign said keep off the grass.

While keep is a fantastic all-purpose word, English offers many synonyms that can provide more precision depending on the context. Using these alternatives can make your speech and writing sound more sophisticated and specific. For example, in a formal or academic context, you might use 'retain' instead of 'keep.' 'Retain' implies keeping something that might otherwise be lost or taken away, such as 'retaining information' or 'retaining control.' It sounds more professional and is often used in legal or business settings.

Keep vs. Retain: 'Keep' is general and casual. 'Retain' is formal and often refers to keeping a right, a memory, or a position. Example: 'The company will retain all rights to the software.'

Another important alternative is 'maintain.' While 'keep' can mean maintaining a state, 'maintain' often implies that effort is required to keep something in good condition. You 'keep' a room clean, but you 'maintain' a car or 'maintain' a high standard. 'Maintain' suggests a process of regular checking and repairing. Similarly, 'preserve' is used when the goal is to keep something exactly as it is and protect it from decay or change. We 'preserve' old buildings, 'preserve' food (like making jam), or 'preserve' the environment. 'Preserve' has a much stronger nuance of protection than 'keep' does.

We must preserve our natural resources for future generations to enjoy.

In the context of following rules or traditions, 'observe' or 'adhere to' can be used instead of 'keep.' While you can 'keep a tradition,' 'observing a tradition' sounds more formal and respectful. If you 'keep to the rules,' you could also say you 'adhere to the rules.' These alternatives are excellent for formal writing. On the other hand, if you are talking about keeping something hidden, 'withhold' or 'conceal' are powerful alternatives. You might 'keep a secret,' but a witness might 'withhold information' from the police, or a spy might 'conceal their identity.' These words add a layer of intentionality and drama.

Keep vs. Maintain: 'Keep' is about the state. 'Maintain' is about the effort to keep the state. Example: 'He keeps his grades high' vs. 'He maintains a 4.0 GPA through hard work.'

The museum works hard to maintain the ancient artifacts in perfect condition.

Finally, consider the word 'sustain.' This is a very specific type of 'keeping' that refers to providing what is needed for something to continue existing. You 'keep' a fire going, but the wood 'sustains' the fire. In modern discussions about the environment, we talk about 'sustainable' practices—actions that can be 'kept up' without damaging the earth. Using 'sustain' instead of 'keep' in these contexts shows a deep understanding of the relationship between resources and continuation. By expanding your vocabulary beyond 'keep,' you can express not just the fact of continuation, but the method, the effort, and the importance behind it.

Keep vs. Sustain: 'Keep' is the result. 'Sustain' is the support that allows the result. Example: 'Keep the momentum' vs. 'The economy needs growth to sustain itself.'

The runner had to sustain a fast pace for the entire marathon to win the race.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Neutre

Informel

Child friendly

Argot

Le savais-tu ?

The 'keep' of a castle was called that because it was the place where people were 'kept' safe during a siege. It was the most secure part of the fortification.

Guide de prononciation

UK /kiːp/

US /kip/

Single syllable word; the stress is on the entire word.

Rime avec

deep sleep sheep leap weep cheap steep beep

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it like 'kip' (short vowel), which means a short sleep.
Not fully closing the lips for the 'p' sound.
Confusing the past tense 'kept' with 'keeped' (which is incorrect).
Adding an extra vowel sound at the end, like 'keep-uh'.
Muffling the 'k' sound at the beginning.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text as it is a short, frequent word.

Écriture 2/5

Requires care with the irregular past tense 'kept' and the gerund pattern.

Expression orale 2/5

Common in idioms which can be tricky for beginners to use naturally.

Écoute 1/5

Clearly pronounced and usually easy to distinguish in conversation.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

have hold stay give take

Apprends ensuite

maintain retain prevent continue preserve

Avancé

sustain withhold conserve adhere observe

Grammaire à connaître

Gerund after 'keep'

Always use '-ing' after keep: 'I keep practicing' (not 'I keep to practice').

Irregular Past Tense

The past of keep is 'kept': 'Yesterday, I kept my word.'

Keep + Adjective

Use an adjective to describe the state: 'Keep warm' (not 'Keep warmly').

Keep from + -ing

Use 'from' for prevention: 'The wall keeps the water from entering.'

Keep + Object + Adjective

To describe the state of something else: 'Keep your hands clean.'

Exemples par niveau

I keep my books in my bag.

I have my books inside my bag.

Present simple: Subject (I) + Verb (keep) + Object (books).

Please keep quiet in the library.

Do not make noise in the library.

Imperative: Keep + Adjective (quiet).

You can keep the change.

You do not need to give me the extra money back.

Modal verb 'can' + base form 'keep'.

Where do you keep your keys?

In what place are your keys usually located?

Question form: Do + Subject + keep.

She keeps her room clean.

Her room is always tidy because she works on it.

Keep + Object + Adjective.

I will keep this photo.

I am going to have this photo forever.

Future with 'will' + base form 'keep'.

Keep your coat on; it is cold.

Do not take off your coat.

Keep + Object + Preposition (on).

They keep a dog in the garden.

They have a dog that lives in their garden.

Present simple: Subject (They) + Verb (keep) + Object (a dog).

He keeps calling me every day.

He calls me many times, and it doesn't stop.

Keep + Gerund (-ing).

Can you keep a secret?

Are you able to not tell anyone what I tell you?

Common collocation: keep a secret.

I kept my promise to help her.

I did what I said I would do.

Past simple: kept (irregular).

Keep walking until you see the bank.

Do not stop walking until you reach the bank.

Imperative: Keep + Gerund.

She keeps a diary of her travels.

She writes about her trips in a special book every day.

Keep + Object (a diary).

Keep away from the fire!

Stay at a safe distance from the fire.

Phrasal verb: keep away.

It keeps getting hotter every year.

The temperature continues to rise year after year.

Keep + Gerund (getting).

We should keep in touch.

We should continue to talk or email each other.

Idiomatic phrase: keep in touch.

The rain kept us from playing tennis.

The rain prevented us from playing tennis.

Keep + Object + from + Gerund.

I need to keep an eye on the soup.

I need to watch the soup so it doesn't burn.

Idiom: keep an eye on.

He keeps his tools in the garage.

The garage is the place where he stores his tools.

Keep + Object + Prepositional Phrase.

Please keep me posted on the results.

Continue to give me information about the results.

Idiom: keep someone posted.

She kept on working despite the noise.

She continued to work even though it was loud.

Phrasal verb: keep on + Gerund.

The doctor told him to keep fit.

The doctor advised him to stay healthy and exercise.

Keep + Adjective (fit).

We must keep the costs down this month.

We must ensure we don't spend too much money.

Keep + Object + Adverb (down).

Keep your chin up; things will get better.

Stay positive and don't be sad.

Idiom: keep your chin up.

It's hard to keep up with the latest technology.

It is difficult to learn about new gadgets as fast as they come out.

Phrasal verb: keep up with.

The police kept the crowd back from the accident.

The police made the people stay away from the crash site.

Keep + Object + Adverb (back).

He managed to keep his head during the crisis.

He stayed calm and thought clearly when things were bad.

Idiom: keep one's head.

The company keeps detailed records of all sales.

The company maintains very specific information about what they sell.

Keep + Adjective + Noun.

You should keep your options open.

Do not make a final decision yet so you have other choices.

Idiom: keep one's options open.

The noise kept me awake all night.

The sound prevented me from sleeping.

Keep + Object + Adjective (awake).

Keep off the grass; it has just been seeded.

Do not walk on the grass.

Phrasal verb: keep off.

She kept a straight face while telling the joke.

She did not laugh even though she was saying something funny.

Idiom: keep a straight face.

The government is trying to keep the inflation rate in check.

The government is attempting to control the rising prices.

Idiom: keep in check.

I try to keep abreast of the latest developments in my field.

I make sure I know all the new information about my job.

Idiom: keep abreast of.

He kept his counsel and didn't reveal his plans.

He stayed quiet and didn't tell anyone what he was thinking.

Idiom: keep one's counsel.

The old traditions are still kept alive in this village.

People in this village still follow the old ways of living.

Passive voice: are kept alive.

You need to keep a weather eye out for any changes.

You must watch very carefully for any small changes.

Idiom: keep a weather eye out.

The medication kept the symptoms at bay.

The medicine prevented the symptoms from becoming bad.

Idiom: keep at bay.

She kept her distance from the controversial topic.

She avoided getting involved in the difficult argument.

Keep + Object + Prepositional Phrase.

He kept a tight rein on the project's budget.

He controlled the spending very strictly.

Idiom: keep a tight rein on.

The castle's keep was the final line of defense.

The central tower of the castle was the last place to hide.

Noun usage: 'keep' as a physical structure.

He is a man who keeps his own company.

He is a person who prefers to be alone.

Idiom: keep one's own company.

The sheer scale of the task was enough to keep him humble.

The difficulty of the job made him realize he wasn't perfect.

Keep + Object + Adjective.

She kept the flame of hope burning throughout the dark years.

She remained hopeful even when things were very bad.

Metaphorical usage: keep + object + participle.

The legal team worked to keep the injunction in place.

The lawyers tried to ensure the court order remained active.

Formal/Legal context.

He kept a vigil by his friend's bedside.

He stayed awake and watched over his sick friend.

Formal idiom: keep a vigil.

The secret was kept under lock and key for decades.

The secret was hidden very securely for a long time.

Idiom: under lock and key.

They had to keep pace with the rapidly evolving market.

They had to change as fast as the market was changing.

Idiom: keep pace with.

Synonymes

retain hold maintain preserve save store

Antonymes

lose give discard

Collocations courantes

keep a secret

keep a promise

keep quiet

keep calm

keep in touch

keep an eye on

keep track of

keep a diary

keep fit

keep the change

Phrases Courantes

keep it up

keep going

keep away

keep out

keep on

keep back

keep down

keep off

keep to

keep clear

Souvent confondu avec

keep vs stay

Use 'stay' for location or temporary conditions of people. Use 'keep' for maintaining the state of objects or long-term habits.

keep vs hold

Use 'hold' for physical, immediate actions. Use 'keep' for long-term possession or storage.

keep vs save

Use 'save' when you are protecting something from being used or lost so you can use it later.

Expressions idiomatiques

"keep your chin up"

To remain joyful and positive in a tough situation.

Keep your chin up; you'll find a job soon.

informal

"keep a straight face"

To stop yourself from laughing or smiling.

It was so funny, I could hardly keep a straight face.

neutral

"keep someone at arm's length"

To avoid becoming too friendly or close to someone.

She keeps her colleagues at arm's length.

neutral

"keep your head above water"

To just manage to survive or deal with problems.

With all these bills, I'm barely keeping my head above water.

informal

"keep the ball rolling"

To make sure that an activity or project continues.

We need a new idea to keep the ball rolling.

neutral

"keep your fingers crossed"

To hope for good luck or a positive result.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for your exam.

informal

"keep a low profile"

To avoid attracting attention to yourself.

The celebrity tried to keep a low profile at the airport.

neutral

"keep someone in the dark"

To not tell someone about something important.

They kept me in the dark about the company's plans.

informal

"keep your shirt on"

Used to tell someone to stop being angry or impatient.

Keep your shirt on! I'll be ready in a minute.

slang

"keep tabs on"

To monitor or watch someone or something closely.

The boss likes to keep tabs on everyone's progress.

informal

Facile à confondre

keep vs stay

Both mean remaining in a state.

Stay is usually intransitive (no object), while keep often takes an object. You stay calm, but you keep the room calm.

I will stay here. / I will keep the key.

keep vs hold

Both involve having something in possession.

Hold is physical and often short-term. Keep is about ownership or long-term storage.

Hold this for a second. / Keep this as a gift.

keep vs continue

Both mean not stopping.

Continue is more formal and often used for processes. Keep is used for habits and states.

Continue the meeting. / Keep talking.

keep vs maintain

Both mean keeping a state.

Maintain implies effort, repair, or following a standard. Keep is more general.

Maintain the engine. / Keep the car clean.

keep vs retain

Both mean to continue to have.

Retain is formal and often used for information, rights, or heat.

The soil retains moisture. / Keep the water in the bottle.

Structures de phrases

Subject + keep + Object

I keep my phone in my pocket.

Keep + Adjective

Keep quiet, please.

Keep + Gerund (-ing)

He keeps laughing.

Keep + Object + Preposition

Keep the dog outside.

Keep + Object + Adjective

This blanket keeps me warm.

Keep + Object + from + Gerund

The fence keeps the kids from running away.

Keep + Adverb

Keep away from the construction site.

Passive: Be + kept + Adjective

The details must be kept secret.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high; 'keep' is in the top 200 most common English words.

Erreurs courantes

He keeps to talk. → He keeps talking.
'Keep' must be followed by a gerund (-ing), not an infinitive (to + verb).
I keeped the money. → I kept the money.
'Keep' is an irregular verb. The past tense is 'kept'.
Stay the door open. → Keep the door open.
Use 'keep' when you are maintaining the state of an object. 'Stay' is for people or locations.
Keep quietly, please. → Keep quiet, please.
When 'keep' is used to describe a state, it is followed by an adjective, not an adverb.
Keep on the good work. → Keep up the good work.
'Keep up' is the correct phrasal verb for maintaining a standard or level of performance.

Astuces

Always use -ing

Remember that 'keep' is a gerund-only verb. If you follow it with another action, that action must end in '-ing'. This is one of the most important rules for using 'keep' correctly.

Learn the collocations

Words like 'secret,' 'promise,' 'quiet,' and 'calm' are the best friends of 'keep.' Learning these pairs will help you sound much more natural when you speak English.

Long 'E' sound

Make sure to stretch the 'ee' sound in 'keep.' If you make it too short, it sounds like 'kip,' which is a different word. Think of the word 'sheep' to get the vowel right.

Vary your verbs

While 'keep' is a great word, using it too many times in one paragraph can be repetitive. Try using 'maintain,' 'retain,' or 'continue' to make your writing more interesting.

Use it for encouragement

If you want to be a supportive friend, use 'keep'! Phrases like 'Keep it up!' or 'Keep going!' are perfect for cheering someone on during a difficult task.

Keep in touch

This is the standard way to say goodbye to someone you want to talk to again. It's much more common and friendly than saying 'I will communicate with you later.'

Keep away/off

Pay attention to these signs in public. 'Keep off the grass' or 'Keep away from the edge' are important warnings that use 'keep' to protect you.

Keep your chin up

This is a beautiful idiom to learn. It literally means to keep your head high, but metaphorically it means to stay brave and happy during hard times.

Where do you keep...?

Use this question pattern to ask about the location of things in a house or office. It's more natural than asking 'Where is the location of...?'

The Castle Keep

If you forget that 'keep' means 'safe' or 'secure,' just think of a castle's keep. It's the strongest part of the building where everything important is kept.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

To KEEP something is to K-ontinue E-veryday E-njoying P-ossession. Think of the 'EE' in keep as two eyes looking at something you want to hold onto.

Association visuelle

Imagine a large, strong castle tower (a keep) holding a treasure chest inside. The tower is 'keeping' the treasure safe and won't let it go.

Word Web

Possession Duration Maintenance Safety Secrets Promises Habits Storage

Défi

Try to use 'keep' in three different ways today: once for an object, once for a feeling (keep calm), and once for a repeated action (keep trying).

Origine du mot

The word 'keep' comes from the Old English word 'cepan,' which meant to seize, hold, or observe. It has Germanic roots but is unique to the English branch of the language family. Over centuries, the meaning shifted from the aggressive act of 'seizing' to the more stable act of 'retaining' or 'maintaining.'

Sens originel : To seize, take, or observe.

Germanic (Old English)

Contexte culturel

Be careful with 'keep' in the context of people (e.g., 'a kept woman'), as it can have negative, old-fashioned connotations regarding financial dependence.

The phrase 'keep your chin up' is a very common way to offer sympathy and encouragement in the UK, US, and Australia.

The 'Keep Calm and Carry On' WWII poster. The song 'Keep on Loving You' by REO Speedwagon. The proverb 'An apple a day keeps the doctor away.'

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At Home

Keep the door locked.
Where do you keep the milk?
Keep your room tidy.
Keep the noise down.

At Work

Keep me in the loop.
Keep to the deadline.
Keep the files organized.
Keep up the good work.

In a Relationship

Keep in touch.
Keep a secret.
Keep a promise.
Keep your distance.

Health and Fitness

Keep fit.
Keep hydrated.
Keep moving.
Keep track of your calories.

Driving/Directions

Keep left.
Keep going straight.
Keep your eyes on the road.
Keep a safe distance.

Amorces de conversation

"What is something you have kept since you were a child?"

"How do you keep track of your daily tasks and appointments?"

"Is it easy or difficult for you to keep a secret?"

"What do you do to keep fit and healthy during the winter?"

"How do you keep in touch with friends who live far away?"

Sujets d'écriture

Write about a promise you kept even though it was very difficult to do so.

Describe the most important object you keep in your house and why it matters.

What are some habits you want to keep, and which ones do you want to change?

Think of a time you had to keep calm in a stressful situation. What happened?

If you could keep only three things from your current life 20 years from now, what would they be?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, 'keeped' is not a word. 'Keep' is an irregular verb. The past tense and past participle are both 'kept'. For example, you should say 'I kept the book,' not 'I keeped the book.'

No, 'keep' is never followed by the infinitive 'to do'. You must use the gerund form 'doing'. For example, say 'Keep working' instead of 'Keep to work'. This is a very common mistake for learners.

They are very similar. 'Keep' + -ing means to continue an action. 'Keep on' + -ing is slightly more emphatic and often suggests that the person is continuing despite difficulty or opposition. For example, 'He kept on talking even though I asked him to stop.'

Use 'stay' for yourself or others (Stay here, stay happy). Use 'keep' when there is an object involved (Keep the door open) or for a continuous action (Keep smiling). 'Keep' is about maintenance and possession.

It is a common phrase used when paying for something. It means you are giving the extra money (the change) to the person as a tip, and you do not want it back. It is a polite way to tip in cash.

Yes, but it is less common. Historically, it refers to the strongest tower in a castle. Today, it can also mean the cost of food and a place to live, as in the phrase 'earn your keep'.

It means to maintain a good physical condition through exercise and healthy eating. It is a very common expression in British English, while American English might use 'stay in shape' more often.

Yes, when used with 'from'. For example, 'The lock keeps people from entering.' This means the lock prevents people from entering. It is a common way to describe safety features.

A keepsake is a small item that you keep to remember a person, place, or event. It is usually something with sentimental value, like a photo, a ring, or a postcard.

You can use phrases like 'Keep me posted' (continue to update me) or 'I will keep your details on file' (I will save your information). These are professional yet friendly ways to use the word.