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B1 Verb (past tense and past participle) #33 le plus courant 8 min de lecture

kept

Top 33

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces kept en 30 secondes

Explication kept in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'kept' is introduced as the past version of 'keep.' Learners use it to talk about simple possession in the past. For example, 'I kept my toy.' It is one of the first irregular verbs students learn. At this stage, the focus is on the basic meaning of having something and not giving it away. Teachers often use 'kept' to help students describe their day or their belongings. It is important for A1 learners to recognize that 'kept' does not end in '-ed' like 'played' or 'walked.' They learn it through simple sentences and repetitive practice. By the end of A1, a student should be able to say 'He kept the ball' or 'I kept the money.' The concept of 'keeping a secret' might also be introduced as a common phrase. The goal is to build a foundation of irregular verb usage that will be expanded in later levels. Learners are encouraged to memorize 'keep-kept-kept' as a set. This helps them avoid the common mistake of saying 'keeped.' Simple stories about children keeping pets or toys are often used to illustrate the word. Overall, A1 learners use 'kept' for concrete, physical actions involving objects they own or hold.

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At the A2 level, learners begin to use 'kept' in more varied contexts, including the 'kept + -ing' structure. They move beyond simple possession to describe continuous actions in the past. For example, 'It kept raining all day.' This is a significant step because it introduces the idea of duration and repetition. A2 students also learn common collocations like 'kept a promise' or 'kept quiet.' They start to understand that 'kept' can describe a state of being, such as 'She kept warm by the fire.' The use of 'kept' in the present perfect tense ('I have kept...') may also be introduced, though the focus remains on the simple past. Exercises at this level often involve transforming sentences from the present to the past. A2 learners are expected to use 'kept' correctly in short paragraphs about their past experiences. They might describe a time they kept a secret or a time they kept working on a difficult task. The word becomes a tool for adding detail to their narratives. Teachers emphasize the difference between 'kept' and 'stayed' at this level to prevent common confusion. By the end of A2, students should feel comfortable using 'kept' in both its physical and continuous action senses.

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At the B1 level, 'kept' is used with greater fluency and in more abstract ways. Learners are expected to use phrasal verbs like 'kept up,' 'kept on,' and 'kept away' correctly. They understand the nuance of 'kept' in professional and social contexts, such as 'The company kept its employees informed.' B1 students can use 'kept' to describe complex emotional states, like 'He kept his cool during the argument.' The passive voice usage, 'The records were kept,' becomes more common in their writing. At this level, students are also introduced to 'kept' in the context of habits and traditions, such as 'They kept the old customs alive.' They can distinguish between 'kept' and synonyms like 'maintained' or 'preserved' and choose the most appropriate word for the situation. B1 learners use 'kept' to explain reasons and results in their stories. For instance, 'I kept the receipt because I thought I might need to return the item.' Their vocabulary expands to include more idioms involving 'kept,' such as 'kept an eye on' or 'kept in touch.' The focus is on using 'kept' to create more cohesive and descriptive sentences. Students are encouraged to use 'kept' in both speaking and writing to show a range of past actions and states.

At the B2 level, 'kept' is used with a high degree of precision and variety. Learners can handle complex sentence structures involving 'kept,' such as 'Had he kept his mouth shut, he wouldn't have been in trouble.' They use 'kept' in formal reports and academic writing to describe the maintenance of data or standards. For example, 'The temperature was kept constant throughout the experiment.' B2 students are familiar with a wide range of idioms and phrasal verbs, and they can use them naturally in conversation. They understand the subtle differences in meaning when 'kept' is used with different adjectives or prepositions. For instance, they can distinguish between 'kept back' (restrained) and 'kept off' (stayed away). At this level, 'kept' is also used to describe long-term states and societal trends. A B2 learner might write about how a certain policy 'kept the economy stable.' They are also more aware of the register, knowing when to use 'kept' and when a more formal word like 'retained' is required. Their use of 'kept' reflects a deeper understanding of English grammar and style. They can use it to add emphasis or to describe subtle shifts in a narrative. B2 learners are proficient in using 'kept' to describe both physical and metaphorical retention.

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At the C1 level, 'kept' is used with sophisticated nuance. Learners can use it to convey subtle meanings in literature, business, and academic contexts. They are comfortable with advanced structures like 'kept to a minimum' or 'kept at bay.' C1 students understand the historical and cultural connotations of the word. They can use 'kept' to describe complex psychological states, such as 'She kept her true feelings buried deep within.' In professional settings, they might use 'kept' to describe the preservation of institutional knowledge or the maintenance of complex systems. They are also adept at using 'kept' in idiomatic expressions that require a high level of cultural fluency, such as 'kept on a short leash' or 'kept in the dark.' At this level, the learner's choice of 'kept' over a synonym is often a deliberate stylistic decision. They use it to create specific rhythms or tones in their writing. C1 learners can analyze the use of 'kept' in complex texts and explain its function. They are also able to use 'kept' in hypothetical or conditional sentences with ease. Their mastery of the word allows them to express persistence, secrecy, and maintenance with great clarity and impact. They use 'kept' as a versatile tool for both precise description and evocative storytelling.

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At the C2 level, the use of 'kept' is indistinguishable from that of a highly articulate native speaker. The learner has a complete grasp of all its idiomatic, phrasal, and metaphorical uses. They can use 'kept' to express the finest shades of meaning, such as the difference between 'kept under wraps' and 'kept under lock and key.' C2 learners use 'kept' effortlessly in any register, from the most informal slang to the most formal legal or academic prose. They are aware of the word's etymology and how it has evolved, which informs their usage in creative writing. In complex arguments, they might use 'kept' to describe the continuity of philosophical ideas or the persistence of social structures over centuries. They can use 'kept' to create irony, humor, or dramatic tension. For a C2 learner, 'kept' is not just a verb but a flexible instrument for communication. They can use it in highly specialized contexts, such as 'kept man/woman' or 'kept press,' with a full understanding of the social implications. Their use of 'kept' is characterized by its naturalness and its ability to fit perfectly into the flow of any discourse. They have mastered the word's ability to anchor a narrative in the past while suggesting a legacy that continues into the present.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

kept en 30 secondes

Kept is the past tense of 'keep,' used to show that someone held onto an object or maintained a specific situation in the past.
It is an irregular verb, meaning it does not follow the standard '-ed' rule, making it essential for learners to memorize specifically.
Beyond physical possession, it frequently describes continuous actions when followed by a verb ending in '-ing,' like 'kept running' or 'kept talking.'
It is a versatile word found in many common English idioms, such as 'kept a secret,' 'kept a promise,' and 'kept in touch.'

The word kept is the indispensable past tense and past participle form of the verb 'keep.' At its core, it signifies the act of having maintained possession, continued a state, or adhered to a specific course of action in the past. Understanding 'kept' requires looking at it through several lenses: physical possession, abstract maintenance, and habitual action. When we say someone kept an object, we are describing a history of ownership that did not cease. For instance, if a person kept a diary for ten years, it implies a disciplined, recurring action that has now been recorded as a completed historical fact.

Physical Retention: This refers to the act of not giving something away or losing it. 'He kept the change' means he retained the coins after a transaction.

She kept the old photographs in a dusty box under her bed for decades.

Beyond the physical, 'kept' is used extensively to describe the maintenance of conditions or states. If a room was kept clean, it means the state of cleanliness was preserved over time. This usage is vital in professional and domestic contexts where standards are monitored. In the realm of promises and secrets, 'kept' carries a moral weight. To have kept a promise is to have fulfilled a social or personal contract. This adds a layer of reliability to the word.

Continuous Action: When followed by a gerund (an -ing verb), 'kept' indicates that an action was repeated or continued without stopping. 'They kept laughing' suggests a duration of mirth.

Despite the heavy rain, the hikers kept moving toward the summit.

The guard kept watch over the gate throughout the entire night.

He kept his word and arrived exactly at noon as he had promised.

The store kept its prices low to attract more customers during the recession.

Social Obligation: Relates to following rules or traditions. 'They kept the Sabbath' means they observed the religious day according to custom.

In literature and storytelling, 'kept' often sets the scene for a long-standing tradition or a hidden truth. It provides a sense of history and permanence that the present tense 'keep' cannot convey alone. Whether it is a secret kept for generations or a fire kept burning in a hearth, the word anchors the action in a sustained past.

Using kept correctly involves mastering its role as both a simple past verb and a past participle. In the simple past, it functions as the main action of the sentence. For example, 'I kept the receipt' is a straightforward declaration of a past action. However, the complexity increases when 'kept' is used with other verbs or in passive constructions.

The 'Kept + Gerund' Pattern: This is one of the most common uses. It describes an action that was repeated or continuous. 'She kept interrupting me' shows a frustrating, repeated past action.

The engine kept making a strange clicking sound throughout the journey.

When using 'kept' as a past participle, it often appears in the present perfect or past perfect tenses. 'I have kept this secret for years' uses 'kept' to bridge the past and the present. In the passive voice, it describes the state of an object: 'The records were kept in a secure vault.'

Transitive vs. Intransitive: 'Kept' usually needs an object (transitive), but in the 'kept + gerund' form, the gerund acts as the continuation of the verb's meaning.

They kept us waiting for over two hours in the lobby.

The gardener kept the hedges perfectly trimmed.

She kept her eyes closed to better enjoy the music.

The company kept its promise to increase employee benefits.

Phrasal Verb Integration: 'Kept' is the past form of phrasal verbs like 'kept up' (maintained speed), 'kept away' (stayed at a distance), and 'kept on' (continued).

Mastery of 'kept' allows a speaker to describe persistence and preservation with precision. It is a workhorse of the English language, bridging the gap between simple actions and complex emotional or physical states.

In daily life, kept is ubiquitous. You will hear it in casual conversations, news broadcasts, and formal reports. Its versatility makes it a staple of spoken English. For example, in a household setting, you might hear someone say, 'I kept some dinner for you in the oven.' This usage highlights the concept of saving or reserving something for someone else. In a professional environment, a manager might say, 'We kept the project on track despite the budget cuts,' emphasizing the successful maintenance of a schedule.

Narrative Storytelling: In novels and films, 'kept' is used to build history. 'He kept a photo of her in his wallet' tells us about a character's enduring affection.

The witness kept her composure even under intense questioning from the lawyer.

News reports frequently use 'kept' when discussing policy or public safety. 'The police kept the protesters away from the building' describes a controlled situation. In sports, commentators might say, 'The goalkeeper kept a clean sheet,' meaning no goals were conceded.

Legal and Formal Contexts: 'Records were kept' is a standard phrase in audits and legal proceedings to denote the existence of documentation.

The ancient ruins were kept in excellent condition by the local heritage society.

He kept quiet about his promotion until the official announcement was made.

The school kept the students indoors during the sudden thunderstorm.

She kept track of her expenses using a mobile application.

Medical Contexts: 'The patient was kept under observation' is a common phrase in hospitals to describe monitoring a person's health.

From the mundane to the monumental, 'kept' is the word we use to look back and identify what remained, what continued, and what was preserved.

Despite its frequency, kept is often the subject of common errors, particularly for English learners. The most frequent mistake is the attempt to regularize the verb by adding '-ed.'

The 'Keeped' Error: Many learners mistakenly say 'I keeped it' instead of 'I kept it.' This is a natural error because most English verbs follow the -ed pattern, but 'keep' is irregular.

Incorrect: He ~~keeped~~ the book. Correct: He kept the book.

Another common mistake involves the confusion between 'kept' and 'stayed.' While they both relate to remaining in a state, 'kept' usually implies an active maintenance or a continuous action, whereas 'stayed' often refers to a location or a static condition. For example, 'I kept calm' (I actively maintained my calmness) vs. 'I stayed at home' (I remained in a location).

Misuse with Prepositions: Learners often confuse 'kept on' with 'kept up.' 'Kept on' means continued doing something, while 'kept up' often means maintained a level of performance or speed.

She kept on talking even after the bell rang.

He kept up with the latest technology by reading journals.

The dog kept barking at the mailman every morning.

They kept the news from him until he was strong enough to hear it.

Tense Confusion: Sometimes speakers use 'keep' when they should use 'kept' in a past narrative. 'Yesterday, I keep my promise' is wrong; it must be 'Yesterday, I kept my promise.'

Avoiding these pitfalls requires practice with the irregular form and a clear understanding of the 'verb + gerund' structure that 'kept' so frequently employs.

While kept is highly versatile, there are several alternatives that can provide more specific meaning depending on the context. Choosing the right synonym can elevate your writing from basic to sophisticated.

Maintained: This is a more formal alternative often used for physical objects or standards. 'The building was maintained' sounds more professional than 'The building was kept.'

The museum maintained a strict temperature control for the artifacts.

Retained: This implies keeping something that might otherwise be lost or taken away. 'He retained his title' suggests a successful defense of a position.

The soil retained enough moisture to support the plants during the drought.

Preserved: Used when something is kept in its original state or protected from decay. 'The documents were preserved in plastic' is more precise than 'kept.'

The ancient traditions were preserved by the elders of the tribe.

She continued to work even though she was tired.

Held: Sometimes 'held' is a synonym for 'kept' in terms of physical possession. 'He held the bag' vs. 'He kept the bag.' 'Kept' implies a longer duration.

Understanding these nuances allows you to choose the word that fits the exact 'flavor' of the action you are describing, whether it is the simple retention of 'kept' or the formal protection of 'preserved.'

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'kept' has been used in English for over a thousand years. Its irregular form is a remnant of ancient Germanic verb conjugations.

Guide de prononciation

UK /kept/

US /kɛpt/

Single syllable word; no internal stress variation.

Rime avec

slept wept crept stept accept except inept intercept

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it as 'keeped'
Omitting the 'p' sound (saying 'ket')
Drawing out the 'e' sound too long

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Very common word, easily recognized in most texts.

Écriture 3/5

Irregular form requires memorization to avoid 'keeped'.

Expression orale 2/5

Simple pronunciation, but phrasal verbs can be tricky.

Écoute 2/5

Clear sound, though sometimes shortened in fast speech.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

keep hold stay give past

Apprends ensuite

maintained retained preserved persistent duration

Avancé

custody stewardship conservation perpetuation tenacity

Grammaire à connaître

Irregular Past Tense

The verb 'keep' becomes 'kept' in the past, not 'keeped'.

Verb + Gerund

When 'kept' is followed by another verb, that verb must be in the -ing form (e.g., kept running).

Passive Voice with Past Participle

In the passive voice, use 'was/were kept' (e.g., The money was kept in a safe).

Stative Verbs and Adjectives

'Kept' can be followed by an adjective to describe a sustained state (e.g., kept warm).

Present Perfect Tense

Use 'have/has kept' for actions that started in the past and continue to the present.

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Exemples par niveau

I kept my book in my bag.

J'ai gardé mon livre dans mon sac.

Simple past of 'keep'.

She kept the red ball.

Elle a gardé la balle rouge.

Subject + kept + object.

He kept the change from the shop.

Il a gardé la monnaie du magasin.

Used for physical money.

We kept our coats on because it was cold.

Nous avons gardé nos manteaux car il faisait froid.

Kept + object + on (phrasal).

The cat kept its food.

Le chat a gardé sa nourriture.

Possessive usage.

They kept the door open.

Ils ont gardé la porte ouverte.

Kept + object + adjective.

I kept a secret for my friend.

J'ai gardé un secret pour mon ami.

Common collocation.

She kept her room clean.

Elle a gardé sa chambre propre.

Maintaining a state.

It kept raining all afternoon.

Il a continué à pleuvoir tout l'après-midi.

Kept + gerund (-ing).

He kept talking during the movie.

Il n'a pas arrêté de parler pendant le film.

Repeated action.

She kept her promise to help me.

Elle a tenu sa promesse de m'aider.

Abstract maintenance.

They kept the old car for many years.

Ils ont gardé la vieille voiture pendant de nombreuses années.

Long-term possession.

I kept waiting for the bus.

J'ai continué à attendre le bus.

Continuous state.

The baby kept crying at night.

Le bébé n'a pas arrêté de pleurer la nuit.

Kept + gerund.

We kept quiet in the library.

Nous sommes restés silencieux dans la bibliothèque.

Kept + adjective.

He kept an eye on his little brother.

Il a surveillé son petit frère.

Idiomatic expression.

She kept on working despite the noise.

Elle a continué à travailler malgré le bruit.

Phrasal verb 'keep on'.

The doctor kept the patient under observation.

Le médecin a gardé le patient en observation.

Medical context.

He kept his cool during the difficult interview.

Il a gardé son sang-froid pendant l'entretien difficile.

Idiom for emotional control.

They kept the news secret for a week.

Ils ont gardé la nouvelle secrète pendant une semaine.

Kept + object + adjective.

The shop kept its prices low to compete.

Le magasin a maintenu ses prix bas pour concurrencer.

Business context.

I have kept all your letters.

J'ai gardé toutes tes lettres.

Present perfect tense.

The fire was kept burning all night.

Le feu a été maintenu allumé toute la nuit.

Passive voice.

He kept up with the other runners.

Il a maintenu le rythme avec les autres coureurs.

Phrasal verb 'keep up'.

The witness kept her composure under pressure.

Le témoin a gardé son calme sous la pression.

Formal usage.

The project was kept on schedule by the manager.

Le projet a été maintenu dans les temps par le manager.

Passive voice in business.

He kept his distance from the suspicious man.

Il s'est tenu à distance de l'homme suspect.

Abstract distance.

The government kept the interest rates steady.

Le gouvernement a maintenu les taux d'intérêt stables.

Economic context.

She kept track of every penny she spent.

Elle a suivi chaque centime qu'elle a dépensé.

Idiom for monitoring.

The secret was kept within the family for years.

Le secret a été gardé au sein de la famille pendant des années.

Passive voice.

They kept the tradition alive for generations.

Ils ont maintenu la tradition vivante pendant des générations.

Cultural maintenance.

He kept at it until he finally succeeded.

Il a persévéré jusqu'à ce qu'il réussisse enfin.

Phrasal verb 'keep at'.

The details were kept under wraps until the launch.

Les détails ont été gardés secrets jusqu'au lancement.

Idiom 'under wraps'.

She kept her true intentions hidden from her rivals.

Elle a caché ses véritables intentions à ses rivaux.

Nuanced abstract usage.

The inflation was kept at bay by strict policies.

L'inflation a été contenue par des politiques strictes.

Idiom 'at bay'.

He kept a low profile after the scandal.

Il s'est fait discret après le scandale.

Idiom 'low profile'.

The archives were kept in a climate-controlled room.

Les archives étaient conservées dans une pièce climatisée.

Technical maintenance.

She kept her word, much to everyone's surprise.

Elle a tenu sa parole, au grand étonnement de tous.

Emphasis on reliability.

The dog was kept on a short leash during the walk.

Le chien a été tenu en laisse courte pendant la promenade.

Literal and metaphorical potential.

He kept his emotions in check during the funeral.

Il a contenu ses émotions pendant les funérailles.

Idiom 'in check'.

The artist kept a meticulous record of his inspirations.

L'artiste a tenu un registre méticuleux de ses inspirations.

Sophisticated vocabulary.

The peace was kept only through constant negotiation.

La paix n'a été maintenue que grâce à des négociations constantes.

High-level political context.

She kept her counsel and refused to comment.

Elle a gardé son avis pour elle et a refusé de commenter.

Idiom 'keep one's counsel'.

The house was kept in a state of perpetual readiness.

La maison était maintenue dans un état de préparation perpétuelle.

Advanced descriptive structure.

He kept the flame of hope alive in the dark times.

Il a entretenu la flamme de l'espoir dans les moments sombres.

Metaphorical usage.

The company kept a tight rein on its subsidiaries.

L'entreprise a exercé un contrôle étroit sur ses filiales.

Idiom 'tight rein'.

She kept pace with the rapid changes in the industry.

Elle a suivi le rythme des changements rapides de l'industrie.

Idiom 'keep pace'.

The secret was kept under lock and key for a century.

Le secret a été gardé sous clé pendant un siècle.

Idiom 'lock and key'.

Collocations courantes

kept a secret

kept a promise

kept quiet

kept track

kept in touch

kept watch

kept busy

kept clean

kept waiting

kept an eye on

Phrases Courantes

kept at it

— To continue working hard at something difficult. It implies persistence.

He kept at it until the puzzle was solved.

kept away

— To stay at a distance or prevent someone from coming near. Often used for safety.

The fence kept the dogs away from the garden.

kept back

— To restrain or hold something or someone in place. Can also mean to withhold information.

She kept back her tears during the speech.

kept down

— To prevent something from increasing or to stay low. Often used for costs or noise.

They kept the noise down so as not to wake the baby.

kept off

— To stay away from a particular area or to avoid a topic. Common on signs.

Please kept off the grass.

kept on

— To continue doing something, often despite difficulty or opposition. Very common in speech.

He kept on talking even though no one was listening.

kept out

— To prevent someone or something from entering a place. Used for security or privacy.

The sign said 'Private' to kept people out.

kept up

— To maintain a certain level, speed, or standard. Also used for staying awake.

She kept up her grades throughout the semester.

kept under

— To control or suppress something. Often used for emotions or populations.

The rebellion was kept under control by the army.

kept together

— To remain in a group or to hold parts of something in one place. Implies unity.

The family kept together during the crisis.

Souvent confondu avec

kept vs stayed

Stayed refers to remaining in a place; kept refers to maintaining a state or possession.

kept vs held

Held is often physical and temporary; kept implies a longer duration or maintenance.

kept vs saved

Saved often implies rescuing or storing for later; kept is more general retention.

Expressions idiomatiques

"kept in the dark"

— To be uninformed about something that others know. It implies a lack of transparency.

The employees were kept in the dark about the merger.

neutral

"kept on a short leash"

— To be under very strict control or supervision. Often used in business or parenting.

The new manager was kept on a short leash by the director.

informal

"kept under wraps"

— To be kept secret or hidden from the public. Often used for new products or plans.

The movie's plot was kept under wraps until the premiere.

informal

"kept your chin up"

— To remain optimistic in a difficult situation. Usually used as an encouragement.

He kept his chin up despite losing his job.

informal

"kept a straight face"

— To avoid laughing or showing emotion when something is funny or serious. Implies self-control.

It was hard to kept a straight face during the silly presentation.

neutral

"kept the ball rolling"

— To maintain the momentum of an activity or project. Implies keeping things moving.

The leader's enthusiasm kept the ball rolling for the team.

informal

"kept your head above water"

— To just manage to survive or deal with a difficult situation, especially financially.

With two jobs, he just kept his head above water.

informal

"kept at arm's length"

— To avoid becoming too friendly or involved with someone. Implies maintaining distance.

She kept her colleagues at arm's length to remain professional.

neutral

"kept under lock and key"

— To be stored very securely. Implies high importance or danger.

The jewels were kept under lock and key in the vault.

neutral

"kept your nose clean"

— To stay out of trouble or avoid doing anything wrong. Often used as advice.

He promised his mother he would kept his nose clean at school.

informal

Facile à confondre

kept vs keeped

Learners try to apply the regular -ed rule.

Keeped is not a word; kept is the only correct past form.

Incorrect: I keeped it. Correct: I kept it.

kept vs stayed

Both involve remaining.

Stayed is for locations (stayed home); kept is for states (kept calm).

He stayed at the hotel but kept his room tidy.

kept vs held

Both involve possession.

Held is the act of holding; kept is the act of continuing to have.

He held the trophy for a moment, but he kept the medal forever.

kept vs remained

Both describe a continuing state.

Remained is more formal and often intransitive; kept is more common and often transitive.

He remained silent while she kept the secret.

kept vs maintained

Synonyms for preservation.

Maintained is formal and implies effort; kept is neutral and general.

The road was maintained by the city, but he kept his own driveway clear.

Structures de phrases

I kept [noun].

I kept the book.

It kept [verb-ing].

It kept raining.

She kept [noun] [adjective].

She kept the room clean.

He kept on [verb-ing].

He kept on trying.

[Noun] was kept [prepositional phrase].

The secret was kept in the family.

They kept [noun] from [verb-ing].

They kept him from leaving.

Kept [adjective], [clause].

Kept isolated, the prisoner grew weak.

Had [subject] kept [noun], [conditional clause].

Had he kept his word, we wouldn't be here.

Famille de mots

Noms

keeper

keeping

keepsake

Verbes

keep

keeping

Adjectifs

kept

keepable

Apparenté

maintenance

retention

preservation

continuity

custody

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high in both spoken and written English.

Erreurs courantes

I keeped the change. → I kept the change.
'Keep' is an irregular verb and does not take the '-ed' ending.
He kept to talk. → He kept talking.
'Kept' must be followed by a gerund (-ing), not an infinitive.
I stayed my promise. → I kept my promise.
'Stayed' is for locations; 'kept' is for abstract commitments like promises.
They have keep the secret. → They have kept the secret.
The past participle 'kept' must be used with the present perfect tense.
The room was keep clean. → The room was kept clean.
In the passive voice, the past participle 'kept' is required.

Astuces

Avoid 'Keeped'

Always remember that 'keep' is irregular. 'Kept' is the only past form you should use.

Use with -ing

When describing a continuous action, always follow 'kept' with a gerund (e.g., 'kept singing').

Formal Alternatives

In academic writing, consider using 'maintained' or 'retained' instead of 'kept' for a more professional tone.

Keeping Promises

Using 'kept' with 'promise' or 'word' is a powerful way to describe reliability in English.

In the Dark

Use 'kept in the dark' when you want to say someone was not given important information.

The Final T

Ensure the 't' at the end of 'kept' is crisp and audible so it isn't confused with 'keep'.

Passive Voice

Use 'was kept' to focus on the object being maintained rather than the person doing it.

Cultural Nuance

Be aware of the social meaning of 'kept man/woman' before using it in conversation.

Rhyme Time

Rhyme 'kept' with 'slept' and 'crept' to help remember its irregular past tense form.

Descriptive Power

Use 'kept' with adjectives like 'quiet' or 'warm' to quickly set a scene in your writing.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Remember: 'He slept while he kept the secret.' Both 'slept' and 'kept' rhyme and are irregular past tenses.

Association visuelle

Imagine a person holding a large key (Kept starts with K) to a treasure chest that they have 'kept' for a long time.

Word Web

Possession Promise Secret Clean Quiet Moving Waiting Distance

Défi

Write three sentences about things you kept from your childhood and three things you kept doing yesterday.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Old English 'cēpan,' which meant to seize, observe, or take care of. It is a Germanic word with no certain cognates outside of English.

Sens originel : To observe, take heed, or look after.

Germanic

Contexte culturel

Be careful with 'kept man/woman' as it can be offensive or imply a lack of independence.

Commonly used in the phrase 'kept man' or 'kept woman' which has a specific social stigma.

The song 'I Kept the Roses' by various artists. The phrase 'The secret was kept' in Gothic literature. The 'Keeper of the Keys' in Harry Potter (related to keep).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Domestic Life

kept the house clean
kept the leftovers
kept the kids busy
kept the garden tidy

Business

kept the records
kept the appointment
kept the costs down
kept the project moving

Emotions

kept calm
kept his cool
kept her feelings inside
kept hope alive

Social

kept a secret
kept in touch
kept a promise
kept quiet

Travel

kept the ticket
kept to the path
kept moving
kept watch

Amorces de conversation

"Have you ever kept a secret for a very long time?"

"What is something you kept from your childhood that is special to you?"

"How have you kept in touch with your old school friends?"

"Have you ever kept a promise that was very difficult to keep?"

"What is a habit you have kept for more than five years?"

Sujets d'écriture

Write about a time you kept working on something even when you wanted to quit.

Describe an object you have kept for years and why it is important to you.

Reflect on a secret you once kept. How did it make you feel?

How have you kept your life organized during a busy period?

Write about a tradition your family has kept for many generations.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, 'keeped' is never correct in standard English. 'Kept' is the only past tense and past participle form of 'keep.' This is because 'keep' is an irregular verb.

'Kept' usually refers to possession or a state (e.g., 'I kept the book'). 'Kept on' is a phrasal verb that specifically means to continue an action, often despite obstacles (e.g., 'He kept on running').

No, after 'kept,' you must use the gerund form (-ing). The correct sentence would be 'He kept walking.' Using the infinitive 'to walk' is a common grammatical error.

In the passive voice, 'kept' follows a form of the verb 'to be.' For example, 'The records were kept by the secretary.' This means the secretary was the one who maintained the records.

No, 'kept' has many meanings. It can mean maintaining a state ('kept calm'), continuing an action ('kept talking'), or following a promise ('kept his word').

A 'kept man' (or 'kept woman') is a person who is financially supported by someone else, usually a romantic partner. This term often carries a negative or judgmental connotation.

No, 'kept' is strictly the past tense or past participle. The present tense is 'keep' (e.g., 'I keep my room clean').

Common idioms include 'kept in the dark' (uninformed), 'kept under wraps' (secret), and 'kept a straight face' (not laughing).

Yes, 'kept' can function as an adjective, as in 'a well-kept garden' or 'a kept promise.' In these cases, it describes the noun that follows.

Pronounce it with a short 'e' sound and make sure to clearly sound the 'p' and the 't' at the end. It should rhyme with 'slept' and 'wept.'

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