What does "keep" mean in English?
As a verb, "keep" has a variety of meanings in English. In this article, we will explore some of the most common uses of "keep" and provide examples to help you understand how to use it correctly.
1. To maintain or preserve something
One of the most common uses of "keep" is to refer to the act of maintaining or preserving something. For example, you might say:
- I need to keep my car clean and well-maintained.
- We need to keep our garden watered and fertilized to keep it healthy.
- It's important to keep your computer's software up-to-date to prevent security vulnerabilities.
2. To continue doing something
"Keep" can also be used to refer to the act of continuing to do something. For example:
- Keep practicing your guitar every day and you will improve quickly.
- We need to keep working hard if we want to achieve our goals.
- She kept talking even though everyone was getting bored.
3. To store or hold onto something
"Keep" can also be used to refer to the act of storing or holding onto something. For example:
- I keep my important documents in a safe place.
- We keep our extra blankets in the closet.
- She keeps all of her old journals in a box under her bed.
4. To remain in a certain state
"Keep" can also be used to refer to the act of remaining in a certain state. For example:
- Keep calm and carry on.
- He kept his eyes closed and tried to relax.
- The fire kept burning all night long.
5. To prevent someone from doing something
"Keep" can also be used to refer to the act of preventing someone from doing something. For example:
- The security guard kept the protesters from entering the building.
- She kept her children from eating too much candy.
- We need to keep our dog on a leash to prevent him from running away.
6. To fulfill a promise or commitment
"Keep" can also be used to refer to the act of fulfilling a promise or commitment. For example:
- I will keep my promise to visit you next weekend.
- We need to keep our commitment to reduce our carbon footprint.
- She kept her word and didn't tell anyone about the surprise party.
7. To hold onto a thought or feeling
"Keep" can also be used to refer to the act of holding onto a thought or feeling. For example:
- I can't keep my mind off of the upcoming exam.
- She couldn't keep her excitement about the trip to Europe to herself.
- He kept his anger bottled up inside and didn't say anything.
Conclusion
As you can see, "keep" is a versatile verb with many different meanings. By understanding these different uses, you can use "keep" correctly in a variety of situations.