Phrases & Expressions

To have a particular belief or thought about a subject.

• She holds the opinion that all students should learn a second language.
• Many people hold the opinion that the government should do more.

To stop breathing for a short time.

• I held my breath underwater.
• Can you hold your breath for a whole minute?

To do what you said you would do.

• He always keeps his promises.
• She kept her promise to call me every day.

To not tell something to anyone.

• Can you keep a secret?
• He's good at keeping secrets.

To prevent someone or something from dying or being destroyed.

• The doctors worked all night to keep the patient alive.
• They struggled to keep the business alive.

To manage the daily tasks and responsibilities of running a household.

• She decided to keep house after her children started school.
• He was good at keeping house and cooking.

To gain knowledge or skill by understanding past errors.

• We must learn from mistakes to improve.
• She learned from her mistakes and succeeded.

To give money as a tip.

• Don't forget to leave a tip.
• He left a generous tip.

To appear to have less color in your face than usual, often because you are ill, shocked, or frightened.

• You look pale. Are you feeling alright?
• He looked pale after hearing the bad news.

To seem likely to succeed or be good in the future.

• The early results look promising.
• This new project looks promising.