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    Python Keywords

    Last Updated : 03 Dec, 2025
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    Keywords in Python are special reserved words that are part of the language itself. They define the rules and structure of Python programs which means you cannot use them as names for your variables, functions, classes or any other identifiers.

    Getting List of all Python keywords

    We can also get all the keyword names using the below code.

    Python
    import keyword
    print("The list of keywords are : ")
    print(keyword.kwlist)
    

    Output

    The list of keywords are: 
    ['False', 'None', 'True', 'and', 'as', 'assert', 'async', 'await', 'break', 'class', 'continue', 'def', 'del', 'elif', 'else', 'except', 'finally', 'for', 'from', 'global', 'if', 'import', 'in', 'is', 'lambda', 'nonlocal', 'not', 'or', 'pass', 'raise', 'return', 'try', 'while', 'with', 'yield']

    Identify Python Keywords

    Ways to identify Python Keywords are:

    • With Syntax Highlighting: Most of IDEs provide syntax-highlight feature. You can see Keywords appearing in different color or style.
    • Look for SyntaxError: This error will encounter if you have used any keyword incorrectly. Keywords can not be used as identifiers like variable or a function name.

    Keywords as Variable Names

    If we attempt to use a keyword as a variable, Python will raise a SyntaxError. Let's look at an example:

    Python
    for = 10 
    print(for)
    

    Output

    Hangup (SIGHUP)
    File "/home/guest/sandbox/Solution.py", line 1
    for = 10
    ^
    SyntaxError: invalid syntax

    Let's categorize all keywords based on context for a more clear understanding.

    CategoryKeywords

    Value Keywords

    See More

    True, False, None

    Operator Keywordsand, or, not, is, in

    Control Flow Keywords

    if, else, elif, for, while, break, continue, pass, try, except, finally, raise, assert

    Function and Classdef, return, lambda, yield, class
    Context Managementwith, as
    Import and Moduleimport, from
    Scope and Namespaceglobal, nonlocal
    Async Programmingasync, await

    Keywords vs Identifiers

    KeywordsIdentifiers
    Reserved words in Python that have a specific meaning.Names given to variables, functions, classes, etc.
    Cannot be used as variable names.Can be used as variable names if not a keyword.
    Examples: if, else, for, whileExamples: x, number, sum, result
    Part of the Python syntax.User-defined, meaningful names in the code.
    They cannot be redefined or changed.Can be defined and redefined by the programmer.

    Variables vs Keywords

    VariablesKeywords
    Used to store data.Reserved words with predefined meanings in Python.
    Can be created, modified, and deleted by the programmer.Cannot be modified or used as variable names.
    Examples: x, age, nameExamples: if, while, for
    Hold values that are manipulated in the program.Used to define the structure of Python code.
    Variable names must follow naming rules but are otherwise flexible.Fixed by Python language and cannot be altered.

    Related Posts:

    • Identifiers
    • Literals
    • Variables
    • Tokens
    Suggested Quiz
    Edit Quiz
    10 Questions

    Which of the following keywords is used to define a function in Python?

    • A

      def

    • B

      func

    • C

      define

    • D

      method

    Explanation:

    def is the keyword used to define a function in Python. After def, you specify the function name, followed by parentheses () and a colon : to start the function's body.

    What keyword is used to handle exceptions in Python?

    • A

      except

    • B

      catch

    • C

      handle

    • D

      error

    Explanation:

    try is used to define a block of code that might raise an exception. except follows the try block and defines the code that runs if an exception occurs.

    Which keyword is used to create a new class in Python?

    • A

      class

    • B

      new

    • C

      def

    • D

      create

    Explanation:

    class is used to define a new class in Python.

    In Python, which keyword is used to indicate that a variable is global?

    • A

      global

    • B

      public

    • C

      shared

    • D

      external

    Explanation:

    In Python, the keyword global is used to indicate that a variable is global. This keyword is used inside a function to refer to a variable that is defined in the global scope, allowing the function to modify the global variable directly.

    What does the elif keyword do in Python?

    • A

      It is used to define an exception.

    • B

      It is used to start a function.

    • C

      It is used in conditional statements to check additional conditions.

    • D

      It is used to define a loop.

    Explanation:

    elif is short for "else if" and is used after an if block to check for additional conditions when the original if condition fails.

    What keyword is used to return a value from a function in Python?

    • A

      return

    • B

      yield

    • C

      output

    • D

      send

    Explanation:

    The return keyword is used inside a function to send back a result or value to the caller, effectively ending the function.

    Which of the following keywords is used to define an object constructor in Python?

    • A

      init

    • B

      constructor

    • C

      __init__

    • D

      define

    Explanation:

    __init__ is a special method in Python used to initialize an object's state when a new instance of a class is created.

    Which of the following keywords is used to declare an alias for a module in Python?

    • A

      import as

    • B

      using

    • C

      alias

    • D

      import

    Explanation:

    The import as syntax allows you to import a module and give it a shorthand alias, which is useful for convenience.

    What keyword is used to define an empty function or class in Python?

    • A

      continue

    • B

      skip

    • C

      pass

    • D

      break

    Explanation:

    pass is a placeholder keyword that does nothing. It is used in scenarios where we need to define a function or class but haven’t implemented it yet.

    Which keyword is used to define an anonymous function in Python?

    • A

      lambda

    • B

      def

    • C

      function

    • D

      anonymous

    Explanation:

    The lambda keyword is used to create anonymous (unnamed) functions in Python, typically for short, simple operations.

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