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Glite Dictionary
to keep a tab open

to keep a tab open

3.2
Leave a web page open to check it often
  • phrasal verb
  • Texting
translation icon : mantener una pestaña abierta
  • Many people keep a tab open for their email to respond quickly to messages.

Examples

  • I always keep a tab open for my favorite news site.

  • She likes to keep a tab open with her calendar so she doesn't miss any appointments.

  • I always keep a tab open for important news updates throughout the day.

  • Please keep a tab open for me!

  • I always keep a tab open for important news updates throughout the day.

  • Many people keep a tab open for their email to respond quickly to messages.

  • I always keep a tab open for my favorite news site.

Synonyms

to keep track
vsto keep a tab open
174 2.7

To watch and write down progress or details

maintains immediate access to current information rather than periodic checking
to keep tabs on
vsto keep a tab open
  • Informal
43 3.9

To watch someone or something closely over time to see what happens

maintains passive constant access to information rather than active personal surveillance
to keep one's eyes peeled
vsto keep a tab open
  • Informal
16 4.6

Watch carefully for something important or dangerous

maintains ongoing open access to information rather than short alert moments
to stay informed
vsto keep a tab open
7 3.1

To keep up with the latest news and events

maintains continuous immediate access to specific information rather than general updates
to keep abreast
vsto keep a tab open
4 5.6

To stay up to date with new information

maintains constant open access to information rather than periodic catching up
to keep in sight
vsto keep a tab open
3.1

To continue to think about something as an important goal

maintains constant access to information to stay continuously aware

Antonyms

to terminate the session
  • Specialized
5.8

End a computer or website connection when you finish using it

How Accessible

to keep a tab open
  • Texting
3.2
to open a new tab
  • Texting
1 2.3
to log on
  • Texting
55 3.0
to bookmark
  • Texting
22 2.4

Surface Forms

keep a tab open infinitive
keeping a tab open present participle
keeps a tab open third person singular
kept a tab open past
kept a tab open past participle

Morphology

keep + a + tab + open

The meaning is compositionally derived from 'keep' (continue/retain) + 'tab' (a browser page) + 'open' (not closed), so a learner who knows each word will predictably infer 'maintain a browser page in an open state'. It follows the common English pattern 'keep X open' and is cross-linguistically straightforward; the only potential obstacle is domain knowledge of the word 'tab' as a browser UI element.

Etymology

The expression keep a tab open comes from web browsers where a tab is the small page you open for a website. Leaving that tab open keeps the page ready so you can return quickly and watch for new messages or news, so the phrase means 'to maintain continuous access' or 'to stay aware'.