What is the Difference Between Keep and Maintain?

The difference between "keep" and "maintain" lies in their usage and context. Both verbs refer to the act of holding and preserving something, but they are used differently. Here are some key distinctions:

1. Keep:

• Means to hold onto something or to continue to have something.
• Can be used in various expressions like "keep up," "keep quiet," and "keep going".
• Examples: "The government keeps the hospitals", "The scientists kept the experiment under -20° C".

1. Maintain:

• Means to take care of something or to make sure that something stays in good condition.
• Suggests an act of keeping something intact or in its original condition.
• Requires a noun or noun phrase as its object.
• Examples: "The government maintains the hospitals", "The scientists maintained the experiment under -20° C".

In summary, "keep" is used when you want to hold onto or continue to have something, while "maintain" is used when you want to take care of something or ensure it stays in good condition. They can sometimes mean the same thing, but they are used differently in various contexts.

Comparative Table: Keep vs Maintain

The difference between "keep" and "maintain" lies in their meanings, usage, and grammatical structures. Here's a table summarizing their differences:

In summary, "keep" is more casual and implies holding onto something or preventing a change, while "maintain" is more formal and implies a continuous effort or action to preserve or uphold something in its existing state or condition.