Word
kept
US/ˈkæpt/
UK/kˈɛpt/
Definition
v. to continue doing something or to stay in a specific state. It is the past form of 'keep' and also describes holding onto something for a long time.
v. the past tense and past participle of 'keep', signifying the continuation of a state, the retention of an object, or the fulfillment of a promise.
Examples
“She kept the old letters in a wooden box.”
“The hikers kept walking despite the heavy rain because they needed to reach the camp before dark.”
“Although the original contract was lost, both parties kept to the spirit of the agreement for the duration of the partnership.”
Examples
simple
“She kept the old letters in a wooden box.”
contextual
“The hikers kept walking despite the heavy rain because they needed to reach the camp before dark.”
complex
“Although the original contract was lost, both parties kept to the spirit of the agreement for the duration of the partnership.”
Usage
Often functions as a catenative verb followed by a gerund to indicate repeated or continuous action.
Pitfall
He kept to work all night
He kept working all night
When used to mean 'continue', this verb is followed by the -ing form, not the infinitive.
Etymology
From Middle English kept, kepte, from Old English cēpte; see -t.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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