The verb “keep” is a common verb in English.
Pronunciation: /kiːp/
It is an irregular verb.
Form of irregular verb KEEP
Present simple:
I keep
you keep
he / she / it keeps
we keep
you keep
they keep
Past participle: kept
Past form: kept
Common meaning of keep
Meaning:
continue to have something.
continue to possess something.
Examples:
I like this pen. Can I keep it?
Jane didn’t give me back my phone. She kept it.
Customer in bar: Keep the change.
Barman: Thank you very much.
keep + adjective
Form:
keep + adjective
Meaning:
Stay in a particular state or condition.
Examples:
Teacher: Please keep quiet during the exam.
Since the divorce, Mark likes to keep busy.
keep + ING form
Form:
keep + ING form of verb
Meaning:
to continue doing something without stopping.
to continue doing something repeatedly.
Examples:
That girl keeps smiling at him!
I don’t like her but she keeps calling me.
Jane: How was your date last night?
Sarah: It was terrible. He kept asking me questions!
Expressions with “keep”
There are also several expressions and idioms with “keep“. Here are 3 common ones:
- keep someone company
- keep an eye on someone
- keep someone posted
Let’s look at the meaning of these expressions.
keep someone company
Meaning:
to stay with someone so that they are not alone.
Examples:
Jane is in hospital. I’m going to keep her company.
David: What are you doing?
Sarah: Nothing. I’m bored.
David: Would you like me to keep you company?
If we use a pronoun for the person, we use an object pronoun.
keep an eye on someone
Meaning:
to watch someone carefully.
to stay informed about someone’s behaviour.
Examples:
Jane: I am going out. Please keep an eye on the baby.
Policeman: Keep an eye on him. He’s going to steal something.
keep someone posted
Meaning:
to inform someone about what is happening in a changing situation.
Example:
Manager: Has the customer paid his invoice?
Jane: No not yet and he’s not answering the phone.
Manager: Ok, keep me posted.
More English tutorials
Use and meaning of ALREADY
Adjectives ending in ING and ED
English expressions with the verb BREAK
Adverbs of frequency
IELTS tips & advice from a band 8.5 student
English lessons on our Youtube channel
Leave a Reply