What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
keep
Example
I like to keep my room clean and tidy. [keep: verb]
Example
It's important to keep the environment clean and healthy. [keep: verb]
Example
I keep a daily journal to track my progress. [keep: verb]
maintain
Example
It's important to maintain your car to ensure it runs smoothly. [maintain: verb]
Example
We must maintain our values and principles in the face of adversity. [maintain: verb]
Example
She maintained her composure despite the difficult situation. [maintained: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Keep is more commonly used than maintain in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts. However, maintain is more commonly used in formal or technical contexts where the emphasis is on preserving or upholding something.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between keep and maintain?
Maintain is generally considered more formal than keep, and is often used in technical or professional contexts where precision and accuracy are important. Keep, on the other hand, is more informal and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
