# kept

/ˈkæpt/ (US) · /kˈɛpt/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/kept
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He kept to work all night" but "He kept working all night" — When used to mean 'continue', this verb is followed by the -ing form, not the infinitive.

## Usage notes

- Often functions as a catenative verb followed by a gerund to indicate repeated or continuous action.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.