keeps
- 01 A1 Beginner
v.to continue doing something or to do it many times.
v.to continue a specific action or state; frequently functions as a catenative verb followed by a gerund.
Simple“She keeps checking her phone because she is expecting an important call.”
In context“The engine keeps making a rhythmic clicking sound, which suggests that one of the internal valves may be failing.”
UsageFollowed by the -ing form of the verb.
PitfallHe keeps to ask the same question. He keeps asking the same question.When 'keep' means to continue an action, it must be followed by the -ing form, not the infinitive.
- 02 A2 Elementary
v.to stay in a particular place, condition, or position.
v.to remain or cause to remain in a specified state, condition, or location.
Simple“Please keep the door closed so the cat doesn't get out.”
In context“The hikers were advised to keep quiet as they approached the clearing where the deer were known to gather at dusk.”
- 03 A1 Beginner
v.to have something and not give it back, or to store it in a place.
v.to retain possession of something or to store it in a regular location for future use.
Simple“You can keep the book for another week if you haven't finished it.”
In context“The archivist keeps the most fragile manuscripts in a climate-controlled vault to prevent the ink from fading over time.”
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.used in the phrase 'for keeps' to mean forever or permanently.
n.used exclusively in the idiomatic prepositional phrase 'for keeps' to denote permanence.
Simple“Are you giving me this camera for keeps, or do you want it back later?”
In context“The two companies decided to merge for keeps, rather than forming a temporary partnership for a single project.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 05 C1 Advanced
n.the strongest, central towers of old castles.
n.the innermost stronghold or central tower of a medieval castle.
Simple“The ancient keeps of the valley were built to protect the villagers from invaders.”
In context“The ruins of the Norman keeps still dominate the skyline, serving as a reminder of the region's turbulent military history.”
Synonyms
“When it's hot, she keeps her hair off her face and neck by wearing it up in a claw clip.”
“If he keeps progressing, Angulo will be a very useful weapon for Régis Le Bris.”