When it comes to taking care of our possessions, we often use the words “maintain” and “keep” interchangeably. However, there are subtle differences between the two that are worth exploring.
Maintain and keep are both proper words, but they have distinct meanings. Maintain means to preserve or retain something in its existing state or condition. Keep, on the other hand, means to have or retain possession of something.
For example, if you maintain your car, you are taking steps to keep it in good condition and prevent it from deteriorating. If you keep your car, you simply have possession of it.
In this article, we will delve deeper into the differences between maintain and keep and explore how they can be applied in various contexts.
Define Maintain
Maintain refers to the act of preserving or keeping something in a particular state or condition. It involves taking steps to prevent deterioration or damage and ensuring that something remains functional and operational. Maintenance can be performed on various things, such as machinery, buildings, and even personal health.
Maintenance is an ongoing process that involves regular inspection, cleaning, and repairs. It helps to extend the lifespan of an object or system and prevent the need for costly replacements. For example, maintaining a car involves changing the oil, rotating the tires, and checking the brakes regularly.
Define Keep
Keep means to hold onto or retain something. It involves keeping something in one’s possession or control and preventing it from being lost or taken away. Keeping can refer to physical objects, such as possessions or documents, or abstract concepts, such as memories or relationships.
Keeping something requires effort and attention to ensure that it remains intact. For example, keeping a house clean involves regular cleaning and organizing to prevent clutter and maintain a livable environment. Keeping a relationship strong involves communication and effort to prevent misunderstandings and maintain a strong bond.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the right words in a sentence can make all the difference in how your message is received. The words “maintain” and “keep” are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings that can affect the clarity of your writing. In this section, we’ll explore how to use these words correctly in a sentence.
How To Use “Maintain” In A Sentence
The word “maintain” means to keep something in a particular state or condition. It can be used in a variety of contexts, from physical objects to abstract concepts. Here are some examples:
- He maintains his car by getting regular oil changes and tune-ups.
- It’s important to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine.
- The company strives to maintain high standards of customer service.
- She maintains her composure even in stressful situations.
Notice how “maintain” is used to describe the ongoing effort to keep something in a certain state. It implies a level of diligence and consistency.
How To Use “Keep” In A Sentence
The word “keep” also means to maintain something, but it is often used to describe a static state rather than an ongoing effort. Here are some examples:
- He keeps his car clean and organized.
- She keeps a journal to track her thoughts and ideas.
- The company keeps its financial records up-to-date.
- They keep the house stocked with food and supplies.
Notice how “keep” is used to describe the state of something rather than the ongoing effort to maintain it. It implies a level of consistency and stability.
By understanding the subtle differences between “maintain” and “keep,” you can use these words more effectively in your writing. Whether you’re describing a physical object or an abstract concept, choosing the right word can make your message clearer and more impactful.
More Examples Of Maintain & Keep Used In Sentences
In this section, we will provide more examples of how to use the words maintain and keep in sentences.
Examples Of Using Maintain In A Sentence
- It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating well and exercising regularly.
- The company must maintain a high level of customer service to retain its clients.
- The building’s owner must maintain the property to ensure it remains in good condition.
- He was able to maintain his composure despite the stressful situation.
- It is important to maintain a positive attitude even in difficult circumstances.
- The athlete worked hard to maintain his level of fitness throughout the season.
- The organization must maintain accurate records of all financial transactions.
- It is important to maintain a consistent schedule to establish good habits.
- The artist worked tirelessly to maintain the integrity of the original painting.
- The doctor prescribed medication to help maintain the patient’s health.
Examples Of Using Keep In A Sentence
- I always keep a spare set of keys in case I lose my main set.
- It is important to keep your workspace clean and organized to improve productivity.
- The teacher reminded the students to keep their voices down during the exam.
- The company must keep up with the latest technology to remain competitive.
- She likes to keep her personal life private and doesn’t share much on social media.
- It is important to keep your car well-maintained to avoid costly repairs.
- The chef instructed his staff to keep the kitchen clean and free of clutter.
- The homeowner decided to keep the original hardwood floors instead of replacing them.
- She promised to keep the secret safe and not share it with anyone.
- The hiker had to keep a steady pace to reach the summit before sunset.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words maintain and keep, people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have different meanings and should be used in the appropriate context.
Mistake 1: Using Maintain Instead Of Keep
One common mistake is using maintain instead of keep when referring to the act of retaining possession of something. For example, saying “I maintain my car in the garage” instead of “I keep my car in the garage” is incorrect. The word maintain implies the act of preserving or upholding something, while keep simply means to hold onto or retain possession of it.
Mistake 2: Using Keep Instead Of Maintain
Conversely, people also make the mistake of using keep instead of maintain when referring to the act of preserving or upholding something. For instance, saying “I keep my garden well-maintained” instead of “I maintain my garden well” is incorrect. The word keep implies the act of holding onto something, while maintain means to preserve or keep in good condition.
Tips To Avoid Making These Mistakes
To avoid making these common mistakes, it is important to understand the difference in meaning between maintain and keep. When referring to the act of holding onto or retaining possession of something, use keep. When referring to the act of preserving or upholding something, use maintain. It can also be helpful to use a thesaurus to find alternative words that better fit the intended meaning.
Here is a table summarizing the differences between maintain and keep:
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| maintain | to preserve or keep in good condition |
| keep | to hold onto or retain possession of something |
Context Matters
Choosing between the words “maintain” and “keep” can be tricky, as the context in which they are used can greatly impact their meaning. While both words can be used to describe the act of retaining something, they have different connotations and implications.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “maintain” and “keep” might change:
| Context | Example Sentence | Preferred Word |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Objects | I need to ________ my car to ensure it runs smoothly. | maintain |
| Emotions or Relationships | We need to ________ our friendship despite our differences. | maintain |
| Ownership or Possession | I want to ________ this feeling forever. | keep |
| Control or Authority | You need to ________ your emotions in check during the meeting. | keep |
In the context of physical objects or relationships, “maintain” is often the preferred word choice. It implies a level of care and effort put into keeping something in good condition or preserving its quality. For example, you might maintain your car by getting regular oil changes and tune-ups, or maintain a friendship by regularly checking in and spending time together.
On the other hand, in the context of ownership or possession, “keep” is often the better choice. It implies a sense of possession or control over something, such as wanting to keep a cherished feeling or keeping your emotions in check during a meeting.
Overall, the choice between “maintain” and “keep” depends on the specific context in which they are used. Understanding the connotations and implications of each word can help you choose the right one for your intended meaning.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using “maintain” and “keep” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they may not apply. These exceptions can often be identified by considering the context in which the words are being used.
Exception 1: Expressions Of Possession
When used to express possession, “keep” is often preferred over “maintain.” For example, “I keep my car in the garage” is more common than “I maintain my car in the garage.” However, there are some instances where “maintain” may be more appropriate, such as when discussing the upkeep of a historic building or artwork.
Exception 2: Technical Jargon
In technical jargon, “maintain” is often used to refer to the ongoing care and upkeep of equipment or machinery. For example, a mechanic may say they need to “maintain” a car’s engine, rather than saying they need to “keep” it in good condition. In these cases, “keep” may be seen as too casual or imprecise.
Exception 3: Idiomatic Expressions
There are some idiomatic expressions where “keep” or “maintain” is used in a non-literal sense. For example, “keep up the good work” and “maintain your composure” are both common phrases that use these words in a figurative sense. In these cases, the choice between “keep” and “maintain” is largely a matter of personal preference.
| Exception | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Expressions of Possession | “Keep” is often preferred over “maintain” when expressing possession, but there may be exceptions. | “I keep my car in the garage” vs. “I maintain my car in the garage” |
| Technical Jargon | “Maintain” is often used in technical jargon to refer to the ongoing care and upkeep of equipment or machinery. | “I need to maintain the engine” vs. “I need to keep the engine in good condition” |
| Idiomatic Expressions | There are some idiomatic expressions where “keep” or “maintain” is used in a non-literal sense. | “Keep up the good work” or “Maintain your composure” |
Practice Exercises
If you want to improve your understanding and use of the words “maintain” and “keep,” then practice exercises are a great way to do so. Here are some exercises that you can try:
Exercise 1
Fill in the blanks with either “maintain” or “keep”:
| Blank | Answer |
|---|---|
| It’s important to _______ a healthy diet. | maintain |
| Please _______ the noise down, I’m trying to work. | keep |
| He’s trying to _______ his balance on the tightrope. | maintain |
| Can you _______ a secret? | keep |
| She’s trying to _______ her composure during the interview. | maintain |
| Don’t forget to _______ your receipts for tax purposes. | keep |
Exercise 2
Write a sentence using “maintain” or “keep” that fits the situation:
- You’re trying to convince your friend to exercise regularly.
- Maintaining a regular exercise routine can have many health benefits.
- You’re telling your child to be quiet while you’re on an important phone call.
- Please keep your voice down, I’m on the phone.
- You’re talking to your roommate about the cleanliness of your apartment.
- We need to maintain a clean living space for our health and happiness.
By completing these exercises, you can improve your understanding of when to use “maintain” and “keep” in different situations. If you’re ever unsure, remember that “maintain” usually refers to keeping something the same or in a certain state, while “keep” usually refers to holding onto something or preventing a change.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between “maintain” and “keep,” it is evident that these two words are not interchangeable. While they share some similarities, such as both being verbs that relate to the act of preserving or retaining something, they have distinct meanings and usage.
Key Takeaways
- “Maintain” is more commonly used in formal or professional settings, while “keep” is more casual and informal.
- “Maintain” implies a continuous effort or action, while “keep” suggests a static state or action.
- Understanding the differences between these two words can help improve one’s writing and communication skills.
It is important to continue learning about grammar and language use in order to effectively communicate and express oneself. By expanding one’s vocabulary and understanding of word usage, one can become a more confident and skilled writer.
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.