How Do You Spell KEEP UP?

Pronunciation: [kˈiːp ˈʌp] (IPA)

The word "keep up" has an interesting spelling that may confuse English learners. The first sound in "keep" is pronounced as /ki:/, while the second sound is a short /ɛ/ sound. The second word, "up", has only one syllable with the vowel sound /ʌ/. Together, the two words form a phrasal verb that means to continue doing something or to maintain a certain pace. Despite its odd spelling, "keep up" is a common phrase that you'll likely encounter in everyday life.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Conjugate verb
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KEEP UP Meaning and Definition

  1. Keep up is a phrasal verb that has multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used. One of the main definitions of keep up is to maintain or sustain a certain level, pace, or standard. It implies the act of continuing to do something at the same level or speed. For example, if someone tells you to keep up your grades, they mean to maintain a certain level of academic performance.

    Another meaning of keep up is to stay informed or knowledgeable about a certain topic or situation. It suggests the act of staying updated or abreast with something. For instance, if someone advises you to keep up with the news, they are implying that you should regularly follow and be aware of current events.

    Additionally, keep up can also mean to persevere or endure in a difficult situation or task. It implies the act of not giving up or surrendering under challenging circumstances. For instance, a coach might motivate their team by saying, "Keep up the good work!" to encourage them to continue their efforts.

    In summary, keep up is a versatile phrasal verb that can convey multiple meanings depending on the context. It can mean to maintain a certain level or pace, stay informed or knowledgeable, or persevere and endure in difficult circumstances.

Common Misspellings for KEEP UP

  • jeep up
  • meep up
  • oeep up
  • ieep up
  • kwep up
  • ksep up
  • kdep up
  • krep up
  • k4ep up
  • k3ep up
  • kewp up
  • kesp up
  • kedp up
  • kerp up
  • ke4p up
  • ke3p up
  • keeo up
  • keel up

Etymology of KEEP UP

The term "keep up" is a phrasal verb derived from Old English and has its etymological roots in similar Middle English expressions.

The verb "keep" originated from the Old English word "cēpan" meaning "to attend to, pay attention to, guard, seize, take hold of". It is related to the Old High German word "kafōn" and the Gothic word "kaiƕan". Over time, the word "keep" acquired various meanings related to taking care of or maintaining something.

The word "up" comes from Old English "ūp", which is also related to the Old High German word "ūf" and the Gothic word "iup". It refers to a direction or position higher than something or indicating an increase or improvement.

Idioms with the word KEEP UP

  • keep up with the Joneses The idiom "keep up with the Joneses" refers to the act of trying to attain or match the lifestyle, possessions, or social status of one's neighbors, friends, or acquaintances, typically through conspicuous consumption or materialistic pursuits. It implies a desire to be perceived as being at the same level or ahead in terms of wealth or social standing.
  • keep up an act The idiom "keep up an act" means to continue pretending or behaving in a certain way, often in order to deceive others or hide one's true feelings or intentions. It refers to the act of maintaining a façade or putting on a performance to create a false impression.
  • Keep up the good work The idiom "Keep up the good work" is an expression used to encourage someone to continue performing in a positive or commendable manner. It is typically said to acknowledge and motivate a person who is doing well or making progress in their work, efforts, or accomplishments.
  • keep up with The idiom "keep up with" means to maintain the same level of progress, speed, or understanding as someone or something else. It refers to staying on par or not falling behind in a specific area or activity. It can also describe the act of following or remaining updated about a particular subject or person.
  • keep up with the times The idiom "keep up with the times" means to adapt or adjust to the changes and advancements in society, technology, or culture. It refers to staying updated and not falling behind in terms of knowledge, trends, or practices.
  • keep up appearances The definition of the idiom "keep up appearances" means to maintain a certain outward display or image, often of happiness, success, or well-being, despite the actual circumstances or conditions being different. It refers to pretending to be or appear to be a certain way for the sake of preserving one's reputation or social standing.
  • keep up To maintain a certain level or pace of performance or progress.
  • change with/keep up with/move with the times To adapt or conform to new ways of thinking, behaving, or doing things in response to changes in society or technology.
  • keep up, move, etc. with the times To keep up with the times means to stay current or modern, and not remain stuck in outdated ideas or ways of doing things.

Similar spelling words for KEEP UP

Conjugate verb Keep up

CONDITIONAL

I would keep up
you would keep up
he/she/it would keep up
we would keep up
they would keep up

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be keeping up
you would be keeping up
he/she/it would be keeping up
we would be keeping up
they would be keeping up

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have keep up
you would have keep up
he/she/it would have keep up
we would have keep up
they would have keep up

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been keeping up
you would have been keeping up
he/she/it would have been keeping up
we would have been keeping up
they would have been keeping up

FUTURE

I will keep up
you will keep up
he/she/it will keep up
we will keep up
they will keep up

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be keeping up
you will be keeping up
he/she/it will be keeping up
we will be keeping up
they will be keeping up

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have kept up
you will have kept up
he/she/it will have kept up
we will have kept up
they will have kept up

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been keeping up
you will have been keeping up
he/she/it will have been keeping up
we will have been keeping up
they will have been keeping up

IMPERATIVE

you keep up
we let´s keep up

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to keep up

PAST

I kept up
you kept up
he/she/it kept up
we kept up
they kept up

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was keeping up
you were keeping up
he/she/it was keeping up
we were keeping up
they were keeping up

PAST PARTICIPLE

kept up

PAST PERFECT

I had kept up
you had kept up
he/she/it had kept up
we had kept up
they had kept up

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been keeping up
you had been keeping up
he/she/it had been keeping up
we had been keeping up
they had been keeping up

PRESENT

I keep up
you keep up
he/she/it keeps up
we keep up
they keep up

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am keeping up
you are keeping up
he/she/it is keeping up
we are keeping up
they are keeping up

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

keeping up

PRESENT PERFECT

I have kept up
you have kept up
he/she/it has kept up
we have kept up
they have kept up

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been keeping up
you have been keeping up
he/she/it has been keeping up
we have been keeping up
they have been keeping up

Infographic

Correct spelling for keep up
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