What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
having
Example
I am having a great time at the party. [having: present participle]
Example
She is having a cup of coffee before work. [having: verb]
Example
Having a car is convenient for transportation. [having: gerund]
keeping
Example
I am keeping this book for reference. [keeping: present participle]
Example
He is keeping the garden well-maintained. [keeping: verb]
Example
Keeping a daily journal can be helpful for self-reflection. [keeping: gerund]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Having is more commonly used than keeping in everyday language. Having is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while keeping is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between having and keeping?
While having is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, keeping can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
