KEEP TRACK

📖 Definition

To keep track is to continuously monitor or follow something to maintain awareness or ensure accuracy. It involves careful observation and documentation.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

To keep track is to continuously monitor or follow something to maintain awareness or ensure accuracy. It involves careful observation and documentation.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
Yes
You can separate 'keep' and 'track' if emphasizing the object.
Register
Neutral
Suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
Yes
It requires a direct object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple keep track She keeps track of her expenses diligently.
Past Simple kept track He kept track of the project's progress last month.
Present Continuous keeping track They are keeping track of inventory daily.
Present Perfect have kept track We have kept track of all meetings this year.

💡 When to Use

Monitoring progress
Use when observing or recording progress or details over time, ensuring nothing is missed.
Example: "She keeps track of her learning improvement in each lesson."
Ensuring accuracy
Apply when maintaining precision in tasks or records to avoid errors or discrepancies.
Example: "It's important to keep track of all transactions in the ledger."
Following development
Use to closely follow changes or developments, maintaining awareness of situations.
Example: "Journalists keep track of current events around the globe."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Missing object
❌ Wrong: She keeps track.
✅ Correct: She keeps track of her workouts.
💡 Tip: Always specify what you are keeping track of.
Using incorrect form
❌ Wrong: I keeping track of my diet.
✅ Correct: I am keeping track of my diet.
💡 Tip: Use 'am/is/are' with '-ing' for continuous tense.
Incorrect verb agreement
❌ Wrong: They keeps track of the data.
✅ Correct: They keep track of the data.
💡 Tip: Ensure subject-verb agreement is correct.
Practice

KEEP TRACK - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

monitor record

Antonyms

forget

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"It's vital to ___ of your expenses to manage your budget effectively."

keep count
keep track
track keep
keeping trace

"To truly keep track of life's moments is to grasp the essence of each day, mindful of time's inexorable flow."

In Context

In the mid-20th century, the world was captivated by the Apollo moon missions. It was a pivotal period when the United States aimed to keep track of the advancements in space exploration, leading to the historic Apollo 11 mission in 1969. Neil Armstrong, alongside his crew, had to meticulously keep track of their trajectory as they embarked on a journey that would etch their names in history. Ground control in Houston played a vital role, vigilantly keeping track of every move, ensuring that the astronauts remained safe as they ventured into the unknown. As the lunar module Eagle detached for its descent, Armstrong's famous words resonated: 'Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed.' This achievement marked a monumental occasion as humanity kept track of time itself, witnessing a giant leap for mankind. Upon their return, the astronauts were hailed as heroes, forever remembered for their contribution to space exploration. The prowess to keep track of technical details in such an endeavor emphasized the importance of precision and planning in groundbreaking achievements.

Frequently Asked Questions about Keep Track

What is the origin of keep track?

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The phrase 'keep track' emerged in the 19th century, combining 'keep,' meaning to maintain or preserve, and 'track,' referring to a path or course, symbolizing maintaining awareness of a path.

Can keep track be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Yes, 'keep track' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts due to its neutral register, making it suitable for various situations.

What is the difference between keep track and monitor?

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While both mean to observe and record, 'keep track' implies ongoing tracking of multiple elements, whereas 'monitor' suggests closer, often more technical scrutiny.
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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