What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
kept
Example
I kept the book on my shelf after I finished reading it. [kept: past tense]
Example
She kept her promise to visit me next week. [kept: verb]
Example
The food was kept in the fridge to prevent it from spoiling. [kept: past participle]
retained
Example
He retained his title as champion for three years. [retained: past tense]
Example
The company retained its top position in the market. [retained: past participle]
Example
The lawyer was retained by the client to handle the case. [retained: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Kept is more common in everyday language than retained, which is more formal and often used in professional or legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between kept and retained?
Retained is more formal than kept and is often used in professional or legal contexts, while kept is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
