17 Common Phases with “Keep”
English speakers use keep in dozens of everyday expressions. Master these 17 common phrases with keep and you’ll sound natural in work, school, and casual chats.
Common Phrases with “Keep”
Everyday Conversation
- Keep in touch. Stay in contact. “We graduated, but let’s keep in touch on Instagram.”
- Keep it up. Continue doing well. “Great grades—keep it up!”
- Keep an eye on. Watch or monitor. “Can you keep an eye on my bag while I order?”
- Keep calm. Stay relaxed. “Keep calm, the doctor will be right here.”
- Keep quiet / keep it down. Be quieter. “Keep it down, the baby’s sleeping.”
- Keep going. Continue without stopping. “You’re almost at the finish—keep going!”
Polite & Professional
- Keep me posted. Update me with new information. “If the delivery date changes, keep me posted.”
- Keep in mind. Remember or consider. “Keep in mind the deadline is next Monday.”
- Keep track of. Record or monitor. “Use this app to keep track of expenses.”
- Keep to the point. Stay focused. “Please keep to the point during the presentation.”
- Keep the change. Let the server keep extra money as a tip. “The bill is $18? Here’s $20—keep the change.”
- Keep confidential. Do not share. “This report is sensitive—please keep it confidential.”
Strong / Idiomatic
- Keep your fingers crossed. Hope for good luck. “I have an interview tomorrow—keep your fingers crossed.”
- Keep a straight face. Not laugh or show emotion. “He told a silly joke and I couldn’t keep a straight face.”
- Keep someone at arm’s length. Avoid close contact. “After the argument, she kept him at arm’s length.”
- Keep your cool. Stay calm under pressure. “Traffic was awful, but I kept my cool.”
- Keep the ball rolling. Maintain momentum. “We finished phase one—let’s keep the ball rolling on phase two.”
- Keep up with the times. Stay modern. “Old software won’t cut it—keep up with the times.”
- Keep your word. Do what you promised. “He said he’d help, and he kept his word.”
Real-Life Dialogues
Roommate A: I’m heading out—can you keep an eye on my cake in the oven?
Roommate B: Sure, I’ll keep track of the timer.
Manager: The client may move the deadline.
Employee: No problem—keep me posted and I’ll keep calm and adjust the plan.
Friend: I’m nervous about the test results.
You: Keep your fingers crossed. You studied hard, so keep it up!
Quick Tips: Choosing the Right Phrase
| Situation | Recommended Phrase | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Need updates | Keep me posted | Short, polite, clear. |
| Staying calm | Keep your cool | Idiomatic and friendly. |
| Continue progress | Keep the ball rolling | Energetic, team-focused. |
Practice Tip
Pick two new “keep” phrases and use them in a real text or conversation today—notice how natural you sound!
Why This Matters
- Native speakers use keep phrases constantly—know them to keep up.
- Varied vocabulary boosts IELTS & TOEFL speaking scores.
- Correct phrases prevent misunderstandings in emails and chats.
Choose one new phrase, use it today, and watch your English sound smoother. Happy learning! 😊
