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Anastasiya
What is the difference between "keep awake" and "stay awake"?
Apr 26, 2018 9:14 AM
Answers · 6
1
We can use either "stay" or "keep" in the two following sentences. They mean the same thing. In the US I think "stay" is more common.
"I wanted to see the Lyrids meteor shower, but I couldn't stay awake."
"I wanted to see the Lyrids meteor shower, but I couldn't keep awake."
In this next sentence, we can only say "stay."
"I usually like it when the birds begin to sing in the springtime, but I hate when they start up at 4 am right outside my window. Sometimes they keep me awake."
April 26, 2018
1
"Keep awake" implies "keep yourself awake". This means you also have a passive form, "be kept awake".
"Stay awake" doesn't have an object, so a passive form doesn't exist.
Both expressions mean to remain awake, or continue to be awake. The main difference is in the grammar, not the definition.
April 26, 2018
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Anastasiya
Language Skills
English, Russian, Serbian
Learning Language
English
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