Re: What's the difference between keep and maintain?

Posted by glotynn on 2007/2/28 21:32:55

When keep is used in the meaning of maintaining, its object needs to go with a complement.
keep + O + OC
e.g.
keep your weight down
keep your weight under control
keep your weight at a healthy level
keep your weight in the desirable range for health

However, if a descriptive adjective is put in front of the object, I think it works as well.
e.g.
keep a constant weight
keep a healthy weight

As to "keep your best weight", there seems to be something missing; for instance, "keep your best weight through well-planned diet" carries a more complete meaning. On the other hand, "maintain your best weight" sounds just fine.

I believe other experts on this forum can explain better.