Conjugation of "Keep" — All Forms, Examples, and Usage
To retain possession of something and not give it away; to continue having or holding something.
Look up another verb
All 12 Tenses of "Keep"
Quick reference table — every tense form of "keep" with the first-person example and a link to the grammar guide for that tense.
| Tense | Example (I) | Quick rule |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Present | I keep |
Used for habits, facts, routines, and permanent situations. Full rule → |
| Simple Past | I kept |
Used for completed actions at a specific time in the past. Full rule → |
| Simple Future | I will keep |
Used for predictions, decisions made at the moment, and promises. Full rule → |
| Present Continuous | I am keeping |
Used for actions happening right now or temporary situations. Full rule → |
| Past Continuous | I was keeping |
Used for actions in progress at a specific moment in the past. Full rule → |
| Future Continuous | I will be keeping |
Used for actions that will be in progress at a specific future time. Full rule → |
| Present Perfect | I have kept |
Used for past actions with present relevance, life experiences, or unfinished situations. Full rule → |
| Past Perfect | I had kept |
Used for an action that was completed before another past action. Full rule → |
| Future Perfect | I will have kept |
Used for an action that will be completed before a specific future time. Full rule → |
| Present Perfect Continuous | I have been keeping |
Used for actions that started in the past and continue now, with focus on duration. Full rule → |
| Past Perfect Continuous | I had been keeping |
Used for ongoing actions in the past that continued up to another past moment. Full rule → |
| Future Perfect Continuous | I will have been keeping |
Used for actions that will have been ongoing up until a specific future time. Full rule → |
Past Tense of "Keep" — Kept
The past simple of "keep" is "kept". Use it for completed actions at a specific past time. Because "keep" is irregular, "kept" is not formed by adding -ed — you have to memorize this form. See our simple past tense guide for a deeper explanation of the simple past.
- The family kept their important documents in a secure location. B1
Past Participle of "Keep" — Kept
The past participle of "keep" is "kept". Use it after "have/has/had" for the perfect tenses ("I have kept"), and after "be" for passive constructions ("It was kept"). Because "keep" is irregular, "kept" is not the same as the past simple — students often confuse the two forms.
- The family kept their important documents in a secure location. B1
Is "Keep" Regular or Irregular?
"Keep" is an irregular English verb. Its principal parts are: base form "keep", past simple "kept", and past participle "kept". The 3rd-person singular present is "keeps" and the present participle/gerund is "keeping". Conjugation pattern: keep-kept-kept (irregular vowel change).
Conjugation pattern: keep-kept-kept (irregular vowel change)
How to Pronounce "Keep" and Its Forms
Keep: /kiːp/ — Stress pattern: O
One syllable with long /iː/ vowel sound like 'ee' in 'see', ending with /p/ sound.
Common mispronunciation of "keep"
Some learners pronounce with short vowel /kɪp/; should have long vowel /kiːp/.
How to Use "Keep" — Common Grammar Patterns
Use 'keep' + object to show retention: 'Keep your phone with you.' Use with adjectives: 'keep safe', 'keep warm'.
S + V + objectS + V + object + adjective
Example Sentences with "Keep" in Different Tenses
- Simple Present: I keep my keys on the hook by the door. A1
- Simple Past: The family kept their important documents in a secure location. B1
Common Collocations with "Keep"
- keep safe
- keep quiet
- keep going
- keep track of
- keep in touch
When to Use "Keep" vs Similar Verbs
Smart synonyms — when to use each one
- retain — for formal contexts describing possession
- hold — for physical grasping or temporary possession
- preserve — for maintaining in original state over time
Antonyms: lose, give away, release
Common Mistakes with "Keep"
-
Wrong: She keep often.
Correct: She keeps often.
Add "s" to the verb when the subject is third-person singular (he/she/it).
Origin and Etymology of "Keep"
From Old English 'cēpan', related to Germanic 'kepa' meaning to observe or care for.
Other Forms of "Keep"
- Noun: keeper
Conjugation Tables for "Keep"
Negative Forms
- Simple present: I do not keep · He does not keep
- Simple past: I did not keep · She did not keep
- Present perfect: I have not kept · He has not kept
Question Forms
- Simple present: Do you keep? · Does he keep?
- Simple past: Did you keep?
- Present perfect: Have you kept?
Passive Voice (where applicable)
- Simple present passive: It is kept
- Simple past passive: It was kept
- Present perfect passive: It has been kept
Frequently Asked Questions About "Keep"
- Is "keep" regular or irregular?
- "keep" is an irregular verb. Its past simple is "kept" and past participle is "kept". You must memorize these forms.
- What is the past tense of "keep"?
- The simple past of "keep" is "kept".
- Are the past simple and past participle the same for "keep"?
- Yes, for this irregular verb, both the past simple and past participle are "kept".