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.
He told the BBC passengers were keeping themselves busy by reading, watching movies and having hot drinks.
From BBC ● May 5, 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
Recent inflation and the labor-market data have eased some of the tensions in the Treasury market that were keeping yields elevated, he said, as well as more signs of stabilization in the Japanese bond market.
From MarketWatch ● Feb. 17, 2026
Investors were keeping tabs on any new developments after Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met last week and agreed a deal to ease China's rare earth curbs and lower US tariffs.
From Barron's ● Nov. 3, 2025
Scipio had brought the shoes that were keeping Bo's feet warm, even though they were a bit big for him.
From "The Thief Lord" by Cornelia Funke
