Word
keeps
US/ˈkips/
UK/kˈiːps/
Definitions
01to continue an action
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.
“She keeps checking her phone because she is expecting an important call.”
“The engine keeps making a rhythmic clicking sound, which suggests that one of the internal valves may be failing.”
Usage
Followed by the -ing form of the verb.
Pitfall
He 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.
02to stay in a state
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.
“Please keep the door closed so the cat doesn't get out.”
“The hikers were advised to keep quiet as they approached the clearing where the deer were known to gather at dusk.”
03to own or store
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.
“You can keep the book for another week if you haven't finished it.”
“The archivist keeps the most fragile manuscripts in a climate-controlled vault to prevent the ink from fading over time.”
04permanently
B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun Informal
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.
“Are you giving me this camera for keeps, or do you want it back later?”
“The two companies decided to merge for keeps, rather than forming a temporary partnership for a single project.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
05castle towers
C1 · Advanced Plural noun Literary
n. the strongest, central towers of old castles.
n. the innermost stronghold or central tower of a medieval castle.
“The ancient keeps of the valley were built to protect the villagers from invaders.”
“The ruins of the Norman keeps still dominate the skyline, serving as a reminder of the region's turbulent military history.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“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.” “It keeps our brains active and can lower stress levels .” Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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