keep a diary vs write a diary

Status
Not open for further replies.

maoyueh

Member
Joined
May 28, 2011
Member Type
Retired English Teacher
Native Language
Chinese
Home Country
Taiwan
Current Location
Taiwan
What is the difference between "keep a diary" and "write a diary"? Thank you very much.
 

5jj

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Oct 14, 2010
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
British English
Home Country
Czech Republic
Current Location
Czech Republic
There is no real difference, in my opinion.
 

Tdol

No Longer With Us (RIP)
Staff member
Joined
Nov 13, 2002
Native Language
British English
Home Country
UK
Current Location
Japan
I can't see much difference, but if someone says that they keep a diary, I would assume that they had been doing it for a reasonable time.
 

Ouisch

Key Member
Joined
Mar 27, 2006
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
English
Home Country
United States
Current Location
United States
In AmE, one "keeps a diary" or "writes in a diary." Saying "write a diary" implies that the person is writing a book, or a work of fiction, not a personal day-by-day memoir. By definition a diary is the personal accounts/reflections/feelings of the author. Usually folks that keep diaries use blank books/journals that are designed for that specific purpose.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top