FluencyCraft

keep

"Keep" is one of those essential English words you will use every single day. It has many meanings, but a few core ideas run through all of them: holding onto something, continuing something, or maintaining a state. Here are the most common and useful senses.

1verbretain / not give away

When you keep something, you hold onto it and do not give it back or throw it away. Think of it as the opposite of 'give' or 'lose'.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

You can keep the change — I don't need it.

She kept all the letters her grandmother sent her.

He decided to keep the old jacket instead of donating it.

2verbcontinue doing something

When you keep doing something, you do not stop — you carry on. It is often used with another verb in the '-ing' form, like 'keep going' or 'keep trying'.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

Keep walking straight and you will see the station on your left.

She kept practicing until she got it right.

Don't give up — just keep trying!

3verbmaintain a state or condition

You can use 'keep' to say that something stays in a certain condition, or that you make sure it stays that way. Think of it as 'making something remain the same'.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

Put the milk in the fridge to keep it cold.

He exercises every day to keep fit.

Please keep the room clean.

4verbstore something in a place

When you keep something somewhere, that is the place where you normally store or put it. It is about where something 'lives' in your home or workspace.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

I keep my passport in the top drawer.

Where do you keep the scissors?

She keeps her bike in the garage.

5verbhonour a promise or appointment

When you keep a promise, a secret, or an appointment, you do what you said you would do. You do not break it or forget it.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

He always keeps his promises.

Can you keep a secret? I have some exciting news.

She kept her appointment with the doctor even though she felt better.

6nounthe strong tower of a castle

In history, the 'keep' was the strongest, tallest tower at the centre of a castle. It was the last place of defence if enemies broke through the walls. You will mostly see this meaning in history books or fantasy stories.

history / architecture · Formal, more common in older texts and historical contexts

The soldiers retreated to the keep when the castle walls were breached.

The king's treasure was locked inside the keep.

The old keep still stands at the top of the hill.

Content generated by AI — may contain inaccuracies