English expressions with the verb KEEP

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

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.

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.

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!

There are also several expressions and idioms with “keep“. Here are 3 common ones:

Let’s look at the meaning of these expressions.

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.

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.

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.