Did someone just tell you, "I'll keep you posted" about the situation at work? What do they mean? Let's unpack the meaning, origin, and use of this expression.
I Will Keep You Posted Meaning
If you tell someone you're going to "keep them posted," you mean that you will let them know of any changes or updates as you become aware of them. You're promising to "keep someone in the loop" about any new occurrences relevant to a particular subject they're interested in monitoring.
You'll use this expression when referencing an unfolding event or situation that continues to evolve. Typically, you'll be keeping them informed of the important aspects of the particular case and leave out the unimportant details.
You're telling the person that the situation has your undivided attention, and you have your "finger on the pulse" of all new developments. It also means that you're telling the other party involved that they can rely on you and trust you for updates.
I Will Keep You Posted Example Usage
"I spoke to the client, and they said they will be here between three and five this afternoon. I'll keep you posted on their ETA."
"The project is coming along as expected; I'll keep you posted on all developments."
"I'm not sure where we're going to dinner tonight. It could be the Italian place or the fish restaurant. I'll keep you posted."
"The word on the street is the gang members say they might incite a riot tonight. We're working on our informants to determine if it will happen or not. I'll keep you posted as we know more."
I Will Keep You Posted Origin
There is no official evidence supporting the origin of the phrase "I will keep you posted." Some language experts believe it comes from military sources, where soldiers were "posted" to specific landmarks, bases, and checkpoints.
The word "post" originates from the Latin "postis," referring to a doorpost. As a result, many experts feel that the phrase's origin comes from the military or the use of doormen guarding the entrances to buildings.
To "post" means to publish or announce and appears in sentences like, "we posted the required information to the door for you to read." In Old French, the word "post" means "beam" or "pillar." Before the internet age, people would "post" announcements to doors and physical message boards to alert people of important information.
The word "post" also appears in accounting language in the early 1920s and 1930s as a reference to submitting financial information for review.
Phrases Similar to I will Keep You Posted
- I'll keep you in the loop.
- I'll keep you updated.
- I'll let you know.
Phrases Opposite to I will Keep You Posted
- Figure it out yourself.
What is the Correct Saying?
- I will keep you posted.
- I'll keep you posted.
Ways People May Say I will Keep You Posted Incorrectly
The phrase "I'll keep you posted" has nothing to do with wooden posts, social media posts, or mail. So, using it to tell someone that you'll mail them something is the incorrect use of the phrase. The phrase is another way of telling someone that you'll “keep them in the loop.”
Acceptable Ways to Phrase I will Keep You Posted
You can use "I will keep you posted" in social and professional conversations. You could tell a family member that you'll keep them posted about events around the house while they are on vacation. Or you could tell your boss that you'll "keep them posted" on the project progress. You'll use the phrased in place of "I'll keep you updated" or other similar sayings.