Explanation at your level:
You use keeps when you talk about one person. For example, 'He keeps his toys in a box.' It means he puts them there and leaves them there. It is a very useful word for talking about your things and your habits every day.
At this level, you can use keeps to talk about habits. 'She keeps her room tidy' means she does it regularly. You can also use it with 'keep + -ing' to show something doesn't stop, like 'He keeps laughing'.
Use keeps to describe maintaining a state of being. 'The heater keeps the room warm' is a great example. You can also use it in phrases like 'keep in touch' or 'keep a secret'. It helps you describe relationships and ongoing situations clearly.
At the B2 level, you start using keeps with more nuanced structures. Think of 'keeps track of' or 'keeps up with'. These phrasal variations allow you to talk about complex processes like time management or staying current with trends in your field.
Advanced learners use keeps to describe abstract concepts. 'The law keeps order in society' or 'She keeps her composure during a crisis'. Here, the word carries weight, suggesting control, authority, and resilience in various professional or social contexts.
At the C2 level, you might explore the etymological roots of keeps in literature. It can imply 'custody' or 'protection' in older texts. You might also use it in idiomatic expressions that are highly specific to certain registers, showing complete mastery of the verb's versatility.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used for possession.
- Used for habits.
- Third-person singular.
- Rhymes with sleeps.
Hey there! Let's talk about keeps. It is a super handy verb we use all the time to describe holding onto things or continuing habits.
When you say someone keeps something, it means they are holding onto it or storing it away. Think of a squirrel that keeps its nuts for the winter! It’s all about possession and maintenance.
It also describes continuing an action. If your friend keeps talking, they aren't stopping. It’s a very versatile word that helps us describe the flow of our daily lives.
The word keeps comes from the Old English word cepan, which meant to catch, hold, or observe. It has deep Germanic roots that go back centuries!
Over time, the meaning shifted from just 'catching' something to 'holding' it securely. It’s fascinating how words evolve; what started as a physical act of catching prey eventually became the abstract concept of keeping a promise or a secret.
It shares roots with words in other languages like Old Saxon kēpjan. It has been a staple of the English language since long before modern English was standardized, proving it has true staying power.
You will use keeps mostly in the present tense when talking about 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It’s very common in everyday conversation.
Common combinations include keeps + adjective (e.g., 'keeps warm') or keeps + gerund (e.g., 'keeps running'). It’s neutral in tone, making it perfect for both a casual chat with a friend or a professional email.
Remember, it implies a habit or a state. If you say 'she keeps the door locked', it implies a routine or a permanent safety measure.
Idioms make language fun! Here are a few:
- Keeps an eye on: To watch something carefully.
- Keeps his cool: To stay calm under pressure.
- Keeps to himself: To be private or shy.
- Keeps the peace: To prevent arguments.
- For keeps: To keep something forever.
These phrases turn a simple verb into a colorful way to describe human behavior and emotions.
Pronounced /kiːps/, it rhymes with 'peeps', 'sleeps', and 'heaps'. The 's' at the end is unvoiced because it follows the 'p' sound.
Grammatically, it is the third-person singular present tense. You use it with 'he', 'she', 'it', or a singular noun. It is a transitive verb, meaning it usually takes an object, like 'He keeps his keys on the hook.'
It is a regular verb in terms of conjugation, but the base form 'keep' is irregular in the past tense ('kept').
Fun Fact
The word 'keeper' was originally a title for someone who guarded a prison.
Pronunciation Guide
Crisp 'k' sound followed by a long 'ee' and a soft 'ps'.
Similar to UK, very clear 's' at the end.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'p' too loudly
- Adding an extra syllable
- Confusing with 'keeps' vs 'keep'
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read
Simple grammar
Easy to pronounce
Clear
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Third-person singular
He keeps.
Gerunds
Keeps running.
Irregular verbs
Kept.
Examples by Level
He keeps his pen in his bag.
He stores his pen inside his bag.
Third-person singular 's'.
She keeps her cat in the house.
She does not let the cat out.
Verb + object.
The store keeps bread.
The store sells bread.
Simple present.
He keeps his room clean.
He cleans his room often.
Verb + object + adjective.
She keeps a dog.
She owns a dog.
Simple present.
He keeps his watch on.
He does not take it off.
Verb + object + adverb.
The box keeps things safe.
The box protects items.
Verb + object + adjective.
She keeps her promise.
She does what she says.
Verb + object.
He keeps running until he is tired.
She keeps her secret to herself.
The fridge keeps food cold.
He keeps his promise to his mom.
She keeps track of her money.
The teacher keeps the class quiet.
He keeps his car in the garage.
She keeps her old photos.
He keeps in touch with his old friends.
The company keeps records of all sales.
She keeps an eye on her little brother.
He keeps up with the latest news.
The fence keeps the animals inside.
She keeps her cool during the meeting.
He keeps to himself at lunch.
The law keeps society safe.
She keeps her options open regarding the job.
He keeps his nose to the grindstone.
The organization keeps the tradition alive.
She keeps her distance from negative people.
He keeps a low profile at work.
The system keeps data secure.
She keeps her word despite the difficulty.
He keeps the momentum going.
The government keeps a watchful eye on inflation.
She keeps her counsel in high-stakes negotiations.
He keeps the memory of his mentor alive.
The policy keeps the industry competitive.
She keeps a firm hand on the project budget.
He keeps his composure under extreme pressure.
The museum keeps rare artifacts in storage.
She keeps the conversation flowing naturally.
The monarch keeps the realm in check.
He keeps his own counsel regarding the scandal.
The legacy keeps the family name prominent.
She keeps the flame of hope burning.
The archive keeps the history of the town.
He keeps his integrity despite the temptation.
The structure keeps the building stable.
She keeps the narrative focused.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"for keeps"
permanently
Are you moving there for keeps?
casual"keep an eye on"
monitor
Can you keep an eye on my bag?
neutral"keep your cool"
stay calm
It is hard to keep your cool in traffic.
casual"keep to yourself"
be private
He tends to keep to himself.
neutral"keep your word"
fulfill a promise
You must keep your word.
formal"keep a low profile"
avoid attention
He kept a low profile at the party.
neutralEasily Confused
both mean to hold
save is for rescue
I keep my money; I save my friend.
both involve possession
hold is physical
I hold a cup; I keep a diary.
both mean to keep a state
maintain is formal
I keep clean; I maintain the engine.
both mean put away
store is for items
I store grain; I keep secrets.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + keeps + object
She keeps her keys here.
Subject + keeps + adjective
He keeps the room warm.
Subject + keeps + gerund
She keeps working hard.
Subject + keeps + object + adjective
He keeps his dog happy.
Subject + keeps + object + prep
She keeps her money in a bank.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
10
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Third-person singular needs the 's'.
Keep is followed by the -ing form.
Use the past participle for states.
Keep in touch is a fixed phrase.
The idiom is 'keep to'.
Tips
The 'S' Rule
Always add 's' for he/she/it.
Keep + -ing
Use it to show continuous action.
Flashcards
Use 'keeps' in sentences, not just words.
Final S
Make the 's' sound soft.
History
It meant 'catch' long ago.
Don't say 'keeped'
Use 'kept'.
Keep Calm
Famous British slogan.
Daily Routine
List things you keep daily.
Collocations
Learn 'keep' with 'eye', 'track', 'touch'.
Professionalism
Use 'keeps records' in work.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
K-E-E-P-S: Keep Every Essential Possession Secure.
Visual Association
Imagine a squirrel hiding nuts in a tree hole.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 things you keep in your bag.
Word Origin
Old English
Original meaning: To catch, hold, or guard
Cultural Context
None.
Used frequently in business and personal life.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
at work
- keeps records
- keeps track
- keeps deadlines
at home
- keeps tidy
- keeps warm
- keeps food
in relationships
- keeps in touch
- keeps a secret
- keeps promises
in sports
- keeps moving
- keeps the lead
- keeps score
Conversation Starters
"What is one thing you keep in your desk?"
"Do you keep in touch with old friends?"
"How do you keep your cool when stressed?"
"Do you keep a diary?"
"What keeps you busy these days?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a promise you keep.
Describe how you keep your room tidy.
What is something you keep for keeps?
How do you keep track of your goals?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, 'keeps' is for he/she/it.
You use 'kept'.
Yes, e.g., 'He keeps his friends close'.
Rarely, usually a verb.
It means forever.
No, say 'keeps running'.
It is neutral.
Sometimes, but 'save' is more about rescue or money.
Test Yourself
She ___ her books on the shelf.
Third-person singular.
What does 'He keeps running' mean?
Keep + -ing means to continue.
The past tense of 'keeps' is 'keeped'.
The past tense is 'kept'.
Word
Meaning
Matching idioms.
Adverb placement.
Score: /5
Summary
The verb 'keeps' is your go-to word for describing habits, possession, and continuous actions in your daily life.
- Used for possession.
- Used for habits.
- Third-person singular.
- Rhymes with sleeps.
The 'S' Rule
Always add 's' for he/she/it.
Keep + -ing
Use it to show continuous action.
Flashcards
Use 'keeps' in sentences, not just words.
Final S
Make the 's' sound soft.
