- apprise
To keep someone posted means to provide them with regular updates or information about a particular situation. It implies that the person being updated has a vested interest in what is happening and wants to stay informed. The phrase can also convey a sense of urgency, indicating that timely updates are necessary for making decisions or taking action.
The origins of this idiom are unclear, but it has been in use since at least the early 20th century. It may have originated from military communications where soldiers were required to report back regularly on their activities and movements.
Origins and Historical Context of the Idiom “keep someone posted”
The idiom “keep someone posted” is a commonly used phrase in English that means to keep someone informed or up-to-date on a particular situation. The origins of this idiom can be traced back to the early 19th century when postal services were first established in Europe and North America.
During this time, people would send letters to each other as a means of communication. However, due to the slow delivery times, it was important for individuals to let their correspondents know when they had sent a letter and when they could expect a response. This led to the use of phrases such as “I will keep you posted” or “please keep me posted.”
As technology advanced and new forms of communication were developed, the idiom continued to be used in various contexts. Today, it is often used in business settings where colleagues need to stay informed about ongoing projects or updates.
Usage and Variations of the Idiom “keep someone posted”
Variation 1: Keep Someone Updated
One common variation of the idiom “keep someone posted” is to say “keep someone updated”. This phrase has a similar meaning and can be used interchangeably with the original idiom. For example, if you are working on a project with a colleague, you might say “I’ll keep you updated on our progress”.
Variation 2: Keep Someone Informed
Another way to express the idea of keeping someone posted is to use the phrase “keep someone informed”. This variation emphasizes that the other person will be kept up-to-date with relevant information. For instance, if you are planning an event and need to communicate details with attendees, you could say “We’ll keep everyone informed about any changes or updates”.
| Idiom Variation | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| “Keep someone updated” | To provide regular updates or information. | “I’ll keep you updated on our progress.” |
| “Keep someone informed” | To ensure that another person has all necessary information. | “We’ll keep everyone informed about any changes or updates.” |
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Cultural Insights for the Idiom “keep someone posted”
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for the idiom “keep someone posted.” Some of these include:
– Keep someone in the loop
– Keep someone up-to-date
– Keep someone informed
– Keep someone abreast
All of these phrases convey the same idea as “keep someone posted” – that you will provide ongoing updates about a particular situation.
Antonyms
Antonyms are words that have opposite meanings. While there isn’t an exact opposite for the idiom “keep someone posted,” there are some antonyms that could be used in certain contexts. For example:
– Leave in the dark: This means to keep someone uninformed or unaware.
– Withhold information: This means to intentionally keep information from another person.
It’s important to note that using these antonyms doesn’t necessarily mean you’re doing something negative – sometimes it’s simply not necessary or appropriate to share certain information.
Cultural Insights
The phrase “keep someone posted” is commonly used in English-speaking countries like the United States and United Kingdom. It’s considered a polite way of letting people know you’ll continue communicating with them about a particular issue. However, it’s always important to consider cultural context when using idioms or phrases – what may be acceptable in one culture may not be appropriate in another.
Practical Exercises for the Idiom “keep someone posted”
In order to fully grasp the meaning and usage of the idiom “keep someone posted”, it is important to practice using it in various contexts. Below are some practical exercises that can help you become more familiar with this common expression.
Exercise 1: Conversation Practice
Find a partner and engage in a conversation where you use the idiom “keep someone posted”. Start by discussing a current event or situation, then use the idiom to express your intention to keep your partner informed about any updates or changes related to that topic.
Example:
Person A: Have you heard about the new company policy?
Person B: No, what’s changed?
Person A: They’re implementing a new dress code starting next month. I’ll be sure to keep you posted if there are any further updates.
Exercise 2: Written Communication Practice
Write an email or message using the idiom “keep someone posted” in context. Choose a topic that requires ongoing communication and provide regular updates throughout your message.
Example:
Subject Line: Project Update
Hi Team,
I just wanted to touch base regarding our project progress. We’ve completed phase one on schedule and have begun working on phase two. I’ll be sure to keep everyone posted as we move forward and will provide weekly status reports every Friday.
Let me know if you have any questions or concerns!
Best,
[Your Name]
| Word | Synonym |
|---|---|
| Familiarize | Become more acquainted with |
| Usage | Application, implementation, utilization |
| Intention | Purpose, aim, objective |
| Ongoing | Continuing, persistent, constant |
| Status | Condition, situation, state of affairs |
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using the Idiom “keep someone posted”
When using idioms in conversation, it is important to understand their meanings and usage. The idiom “keep someone posted” is commonly used to mean keeping someone informed or up-to-date on a particular situation. However, there are some common mistakes that people make when using this idiom.
One mistake is not specifying what information needs to be shared. Simply saying “I’ll keep you posted” without providing any specifics can leave the other person confused about what they should expect to hear from you. It’s important to be clear about what information will be shared and how often.
Another mistake is overusing the phrase. Saying “I’ll keep you posted” too frequently can come across as insincere or unhelpful. Instead, try using alternative phrases such as “I’ll update you as soon as I have more information” or “I’ll let you know if anything changes.”
Additionally, it’s important to follow through on your promise of keeping someone posted. Forgetting to provide updates or failing to communicate important information can damage trust and credibility in professional relationships.