Past Tense of “keep”
The past simple of “keep” is “kept” and the past participle is “kept”. Below are the pronunciation, three example sentences, the mistake learners make most often, and a short drill to check yourself.
Forms of “keep”
keep – kept – kept
continue to have; continue doing
- Base form
- keep/kiːp/
- Past simple
- kept/kept/
- Past participle
- kept/kept/
- -ing form
- keeping
- He / she / it
- keeps
Pronunciation (US)
Quick practice
5 questions. Type the missing form.
Example sentences
Three everyday sentences that show how the forms are used.
Past simple
She kept all her old letters in a box.
Past participle
We have kept your table for you.
Passive
The medicine must be kept in a cool place.
The most common mistake
Wrong
He keeped his promise.
Correct
He kept his promise.
“Keep” is irregular: keep – kept – kept.
Verbs with the same pattern
Past = participle. Learn these together.