Murphy's Law

[1238] Keep me posted / Keep me updated

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English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • A request for someone to continue providing information about a situation as it develops.
  • Asking to be informed of any news or changes.

Origin

  • Posted likely relates to the idea of posting notices on a board or in a ledger to keep records current. Keeping someone posted means keeping their information up-to-date as if adding entries to their record. Dates back to the 19th century.
  • Updated is more direct, meaning bring up to date. Became common with the rise of information technology but used generally as well.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Let me know what happens.
  • Keep me in the loop. (More informal/business jargon)
  • Fill me in later.
  • Give me the latest.
  • Inform me of any developments. (More formal)

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Lemme know. (Short for Let me know)
  • Hit me up with the news.
  • Keep me in the know.
  • Gimme the scoop. / What's the scoop? (Asking for info/news)

Milder/Standard:

  • I'd appreciate an update.
  • Please inform me.

(No common vulgar alternatives just for requesting an update, though impatience for an update might be expressed with swearing.)

    Situational Appropriateness

    • Appropriate in most contexts, from informal (friends, family) to formal (business, professional).
    • Keep me updated might sound slightly more formal or business-like than Keep me posted, but both are widely acceptable.

    Misunderstanding Warnings

    • Generally very clear. The only potential issue is the expected frequency or channel of updates, which might need clarification.

    Examples

    • Let me know how the meeting goes. Keep me posted.
    • I hope your mom feels better soon. Keep me updated on her condition.
    • I'm waiting to hear back about the job offer. I'll keep you posted. (Used by the person who will provide the update)

    Dialogue

    Manager: Okay, contact the client and try to resolve this issue.

    Employee: Alright, I'm on it.

    Manager: Great. Keep me posted on your progress.

    Employee: Will do. I'll email you an update by end of day.

    Social Media Examples

    • Tweet reply: @Friend Hope your interview went well! Keep me posted!
    • End of a group chat message: Okay team, I'm heading into the meeting now. Will keep you updated.
    • Facebook comment on a post about a sick pet: Sending positive thoughts! Please keep us updated on how he's doing.

    Response Patterns

    • Agreement: Will do. / Okay, I will. / Sure thing. / You got it.
    • Confirmation: Okay, I'll let you know as soon as I hear anything.
    • Question (if unclear): Okay, about what specifically?

    Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

    After someone says they will keep you posted/updated:

    • You might specify *how* you want to be updated: Okay, just text me. / Send me an email when you know.
    • You might express thanks: Thanks, I appreciate it.

    The person asked to provide updates will typically contact the asker later when there is news.

      If time passes with no update, the original asker might follow up: Any news on [the situation]?

        Conversation Starter

        • No. It's usually said at the end of a conversation about an ongoing or upcoming situation.

        Intonation

        • Usually said with a friendly, interested tone.
        • Fairly neutral intonation, often with a slight lift at the end, making it a polite request.
        • Emphasis often on posted or updated. Keep me POSTED.

        Generation Differences

        • Used and understood by all generations.

        Regional Variations

        • Common in all major English-speaking regions.
        Murphy's Law
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