How to use the structures “keep + adjective” and “keep + object + adjective”
We use keep + adjective to show that someone or something stays in a particular state or condition. We are saying that the condition doesn't change.
- Mary didn't say a word. She kept quiet.
= Mary was quiet and she stayed quiet.
- I like to keep busy.
= I like to stay busy. I prefer to be always doing something.
Other examples
- Keep calm! Don't panic!
- Put your coffee in a flask and it will keep warm for a couple of hours.
- I want to keep fit, so I go to the gym three times a week.
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We use keep + object + adjective to indicate that someone or something maintains a certain condition or state of someone or something else.
- Emma keeps her desk tidy.
= Emma's a tidy person: because of her, the desk stays tidy.
- An umbrella keeps you dry when it rains.
= We stay dry because of our umbrellas.
More examples
- The ceiling fan keeps the room cool in summer.
- Our teacher always keeps his lessons interesting.
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Summary
The two structures are similar but convey a different meaning:
Keep + adjective focuses on the condition of the subject.
Keep + object + adjective is more focused on the condition of the object. The subject is responsible for maintaining it.
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