The verb keep means to hold, save, or continue doing something. It is irregular: both the past tense and past participle are kept. “Keep” can be used in many contexts, such as keeping objects, maintaining habits, or continuing actions.
Usage and Meaning
- Keep (base form): Present tense (I keep, you keep)
- Kept (past tense): Completed action in the past (I kept)
- Kept (past participle): Used with have/has/had in perfect tenses (I have kept)
The core meaning is to hold onto something, save it, or continue a state or action.
Example Sentences
| Usage | English Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Present Simple | I keep my keys in my bag. | Habit or general truth |
| Past Simple | She kept the letter on her desk. | Completed past action |
| Present Perfect | We have kept the tradition alive. | Action continuing to present |
Common Phrases with Keep
- keep on + verb: continue doing something (She kept on talking.)
- keep up: maintain a level or speed (Keep up the good work!)
- keep away: stay at a distance (Keep away from the edge.)
- keep out: do not enter (Keep out of the restricted area.)
- keep in touch: continue communicating (Let’s keep in touch.)
Complete the sentence: She kept ___ talking even though it was late.
on
The phrase "keep on" means to continue doing something. Here, "She kept on talking" means she continued talking.
Summary
- keep is irregular: past and past participle form is kept
- Means to hold, save, maintain, or continue
- Used in many common phrases and expressions
Why are phrases like "keep on," "keep up," and "keep out" important to learn?
Because they show how "keep" works with prepositions to create different meanings.
These phrases combine "keep" with prepositions or adverbs to form idiomatic expressions with unique meanings, essential for natural English.
Flashcards (1 of 3)
- Usage: Present Simple
- Explanation: Habit or general truth
- English Example: I keep my keys in my bag.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
