keep
verb (used with object)
to hold or retain in one's possession; hold as one's own.
were keeping
-
past progressiveof keep.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Senior political appointees at DOJ, including Stanley Woodward, the No. 3 official, and Trent McCotter, then an aide to the deputy attorney general, were keeping close tabs on the case, the people said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 24, 2026
The development followed an earlier statement from Devon and Cornwall Police that, while they were keeping an open mind, there was "nothing to suggest" the murder was politically motivated.
From BBC ● Jul. 14, 2026
Traders were keeping an eye on Tokyo amid speculation the government could intervene in currency markets after the yen hit its weakest level against the dollar since 1986.
From Barron's ● Jun. 30, 2026
Officials branded these visits as “wellness checks,” ostensibly aimed at ensuring that the children in question did not fall victim to human trafficking and were keeping up with their obligations for their immigration cases.
From Salon ● Apr. 10, 2026
They seemed healthy and well-fed, and were keeping cool from the heat under the shade of the cars.
From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers
