keep
verb (used with object)
to hold or retain in one's possession; hold as one's own.
have been keeping
-
present perfect progressiveof keep.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Elevated mortgage rates have been keeping buyers on the sidelines for years, but rates have inched down from a year earlier, and are well below a peak of nearly 8% in 2023.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 10, 2026
The relatives have been keeping a low profile, said Etheart, who was born in the United States from parents who emigrated from Haiti in the 1990s.
From Barron's ● Mar. 12, 2026
One clear impact is on consumer debt and credit — an area on which some investors have been keeping a close eye.
From MarketWatch ● Dec. 4, 2025
One of the paper’s authors, Brookings Institution economist Tara Watson, said this drop in migration hasn’t happened since they have been keeping records in 1960.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 25, 2025
There is only room for me to send my love, and some pressed pansies from the root I have been keeping safe in the house for Father to see.
From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
