Are you confused about whether to use keep or keeped in your writing? You’re not alone. These two words can be confusing, but don’t worry – we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between keep and keeped, and when to use each one.
First things first: the proper word is keep. Keeped is not a word in the English language. If you’re using keeped, you’re making a mistake.
So what does keep mean? Keep is a verb that means to have or retain possession of something. For example, “I keep my keys in my pocket.” Keep can also mean to continue doing something or to not change something. For example, “I keep a strict schedule every day.”
Now, let’s talk about why you might be confused about keeped. Keeped is not a word, but it is a common mistake that people make when they try to use the past tense of keep. The past tense of keep is kept. For example, “I kept my keys in my pocket yesterday.”
So, to sum up: use keep when you want to talk about having or retaining possession of something, or when you want to talk about continuing to do something. Use kept when you want to talk about something that happened in the past. And remember, keeped is not a word!
Now that we’ve cleared up the confusion between keep and kept, let’s take a closer look at each one.
Define Keep
Keep is a verb that means to have or retain possession of something. It can also refer to the act of storing or preserving something for future use or safekeeping. In a broader sense, keep can also mean to maintain or continue a certain behavior or activity.
For example, a person might keep a diary to record their thoughts and experiences, or they might keep a collection of antique books in a special room of their house. A business might keep inventory of their products in order to manage their stock levels and prevent shortages.
Keep is also used in certain phrases and idioms, such as “keep up the good work” or “keep your chin up,” which encourage someone to continue doing something or to remain optimistic in the face of adversity.
Define Keeped
Keeped is not a recognized word in the English language. The correct past tense of keep is kept. It is important to use the correct form of verbs in order to communicate effectively and avoid confusion.
| Verb Tense | Example |
|---|---|
| Present | I keep a spare key in my desk. |
| Past | I kept a diary when I was younger. |
| Present Participle | I am keeping an eye on the situation. |
| Past Participle | I have kept all of my old textbooks. |
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to writing, using the correct form of a word can make all the difference in the clarity and accuracy of your message. This is especially true for commonly confused words like “keep” and “keeped”. In this article, we will explore the proper usage of these words to help you communicate more effectively.
How To Use “Keep” In A Sentence
The word “keep” is a verb that refers to the act of holding onto something or retaining possession of it. It can also mean to continue doing something or to remain in a certain state or condition. Here are some examples of how to use “keep” in a sentence:
- I always keep a spare key in my pocket in case I lock myself out of the house.
- She promised to keep the secret between the two of them.
- We need to keep working on this project until it’s finished.
- He tried to keep calm despite the chaos around him.
As you can see, “keep” is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts. Just be sure to use it in the appropriate tense and form for the sentence.
How To Use “Keeped” In A Sentence
Unlike “keep”, “keeped” is not a proper word in the English language. The correct past tense form of “keep” is actually “kept”. Here are some examples of how to use “kept” in a sentence:
- She kept the old photo album in a safe place.
- He had kept the letter for years before finally deciding to throw it away.
- We kept the windows closed to keep out the cold air.
- They kept their promise to help us move into our new apartment.
Remember, using the incorrect form of a word can detract from the overall quality of your writing. By understanding the proper usage of “keep” and “kept”, you can ensure that your message is clear, concise, and effective.
More Examples Of Keep & Keeped Used In Sentences
In this section, we will provide you with more examples of how to use “keep” and “keeped” in sentences. It is important to understand the proper usage of these words to avoid any confusion or incorrect grammar.
Examples Of Using Keep In A Sentence
- I need to keep my phone charged at all times.
- Can you keep a secret?
- She likes to keep her house clean.
- He will keep the dog while we are on vacation.
- It is important to keep a positive attitude.
- They keep their prices competitive.
- We need to keep our options open.
- He can’t keep his hands off his phone.
- She keeps a diary to document her experiences.
- He is trying to keep up with the latest fashion trends.
Examples Of Using Keeped In A Sentence
- I keeped the receipt in case I need to return the item.
- She keeped her promise to come visit me.
- He keeped the car in good condition.
- They keeped the party a surprise.
- She keeped her distance from the stranger.
- He keeped his emotions in check during the meeting.
- We keeped the leftovers for lunch the next day.
- She keeped the plant alive by watering it daily.
- He keeped his eyes on the road while driving.
- They keeped the noise level down to avoid disturbing the neighbors.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to the usage of “keep” and “keeped”, many people tend to interchangeably use these two words. However, this is a common mistake that can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Here are some of the common mistakes that people make when using “keep” and “keeped” interchangeably:
1. Using “Keeped” Instead Of “Kept”
The word “keeped” is not a correct form of the past tense of the verb “keep”. The correct form is “kept”. Using “keeped” can make your writing look unprofessional and can lead to confusion for your readers. For example, instead of saying “I keeped the book on the shelf”, you should say “I kept the book on the shelf”.
2. Using “Keep” Instead Of “Retain”
While “keep” and “retain” are similar in meaning, they are not always interchangeable. “Retain” is often used in more formal or professional contexts, while “keep” is more commonly used in everyday conversation. For example, instead of saying “I will keep your resume on file”, you should say “I will retain your resume on file”.
3. Using “Keep” Instead Of “Maintain”
Similarly to “retain”, “maintain” is often used in more formal or professional contexts. It is important to use the correct word in order to convey the appropriate tone and level of formality. For example, instead of saying “I will keep the equipment in good condition”, you should say “I will maintain the equipment in good condition”.
Tips To Avoid These Mistakes
- Proofread your writing carefully to ensure that you have used the correct form of “keep” or “keeped”.
- Use a thesaurus to find alternative words to “keep” when you want to convey a more professional or formal tone.
- Read widely to improve your vocabulary and understanding of the appropriate usage of words.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between “keep” and “keeped,” context is key. Both words are forms of the verb “keep,” but they are used in different ways depending on the situation. Understanding the nuances of each word can help you choose the right one for your writing.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “keep” and “keeped” might change:
| Context | Example Sentence | Correct Form |
|---|---|---|
| Present Tense | I keep my keys in my pocket. | Keep |
| Past Tense | I keeped my keys in my pocket yesterday. | Keeped |
| Continuous Action | He keeps interrupting me. | Keep |
| Completed Action | He keeped interrupting me until I asked him to stop. | Keeped |
| Adjective Form | The kept room was tidy and organized. | Kept |
As you can see from these examples, the choice between “keep” and “keeped” depends on whether you are referring to a present or past action, a continuous or completed action, or using the adjective form. It’s important to consider the context in which you are using these words to ensure that your writing is clear and accurate.
Exceptions To The Rules
While there are general rules for using “keep” and “keeped,” there are some exceptions where these rules may not apply. Here are some examples:
1. Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs are a combination of a verb and a preposition or adverb that function as a single unit. In these cases, “keep” is often used with a preposition or adverb to create a phrasal verb that has a specific meaning. For instance:
- “Keep up” means to maintain the same level or pace
- “Keep on” means to continue doing something
- “Keep away” means to stay at a distance from something or someone
In these cases, “keep” cannot be replaced with “keeped” without changing the meaning of the phrasal verb.
2. Idiomatic Expressions
Idiomatic expressions are phrases that have a meaning that is not necessarily related to the literal meaning of the words. In some cases, “keep” is used in idiomatic expressions that do not follow the general rules for using “keep” and “keeped.” For example:
- “Keep your chin up” means to stay positive in a difficult situation
- “Keep your fingers crossed” means to hope for good luck or success
In these cases, “keep” cannot be replaced with “keeped” without completely changing the meaning of the expression.
3. Regional Variations
Finally, it’s worth noting that there may be regional variations in the use of “keep” and “keeped.” For example, in some dialects of English, “keeped” may be used more frequently than in standard English. In these cases, it’s important to be aware of the local conventions and adjust your language use accordingly.
Practice Exercises
Now that we have discussed the differences between keep and keeped, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Below are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences. Make sure to read the instructions carefully and choose the correct form of the word to complete each sentence.
Exercise 1
Choose the correct form of the word to complete each sentence:
| Sentence | Keep or Keeped? |
|---|---|
| I always ______ my promises. | keep |
| He ______ the ball in his hand. | kept |
| She ______ her cool in a crisis. | kept |
| We need to ______ the house clean. | keep |
| They ______ the stolen goods in their possession. | kept |
Answer Key: 1. keep 2. kept 3. kept 4. keep 5. kept
Exercise 2
Complete the following sentences with either keep or keeped:
- She ______ her eyes on the prize.
- He ______ his head down and worked hard.
- We need to ______ our voices down in the library.
- They ______ the secret to themselves.
- The teacher told the students to ______ their hands to themselves.
Explanation: In these sentences, keep and keeped can both be used, depending on the context. For example, in sentence 1, keeped would not be appropriate because it is referring to a continuous action. On the other hand, in sentence 4, keep would not be appropriate because it is referring to a past action that has already been completed.
Answer Key: 1. keep 2. kept 3. keep 4. kept 5. keep
By completing these practice exercises, you will not only improve your understanding of keep and keeped, but also enhance your overall writing skills. Keep practicing and you will soon become a master of these two words!
Conclusion
After exploring the various aspects of the verbs “keep” and “keeped,” it is clear that “keep” is the correct form to use in most situations. “Keeped” is not a valid past tense form of “keep.” It is important to understand the rules of grammar and language use to effectively communicate in writing.
Key Takeaways
- “Keep” is the correct past tense form of the verb “keep.”
- “Keeped” is not a valid past tense form of “keep.”
- Understanding the rules of grammar and language use is crucial for effective communication.
By keeping these key takeaways in mind, writers can avoid common mistakes and present their ideas clearly and effectively.
Continuing Education
Learning about grammar and language use is an ongoing process. There are many resources available for writers who want to improve their skills. Some options include:
| Online courses: | Platforms like Coursera and edX offer a variety of courses on writing, grammar, and language use. |
| Books: | There are many books on writing and grammar, such as “The Elements of Style” by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White. |
| Writing groups: | Joining a writing group can provide opportunities for feedback and learning from other writers. |
Continuing to learn and improve writing skills can lead to more effective communication and better writing overall.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.