Dictionary-enhanced word family
Word Forms of “Keep”
To have something and not lose it or give it to someone else; to hold onto something.
Word Family of Keep
How to Use Each Word Form in a Sentence
- She keeps her grandmother's ring in a safe place. A1
- I keep my keys on the hook by the door. A1
- The family kept their important documents in a secure location. B1
Word Form Patterns for Keep
-er
Adds **-er** to make a noun for a person or thing that performs the action. Example: keep → keeper.
Origin and Word Formation of Keep
From Old English 'cēpan', related to Germanic 'kepa' meaning to observe or care for.
Common Word Form Mistakes with Keep
Wrong: He keep his promise to his friend.
Correct: He keeps his promise to his friend.
Third person singular subject 'he' requires -s form 'keeps', not base form 'keep'.
Wrong: I will kept the secret safe for you.
Correct: I will keep the secret safe for you.
Modal 'will' requires bare infinitive 'keep', not past participle 'kept'.
Frequently Asked Questions About Word Forms of Keep
What are the word forms of “keep”?
The confirmed forms are shown in the word family cards above. Missing parts of speech are hidden instead of filled with placeholder text.
What part of speech is “keep”?
“keep” is primarily a verb. Some forms above show how the same root works as other parts of speech.
Where does “keep” come from?
From Old English 'cēpan', related to Germanic 'kepa' meaning to observe or care for.