Phrasal verbs are an essential part of the English language, adding nuance and depth to communication. Among the many phrasal verbs, those formed with ‘keep’ are particularly versatile and frequently used.
Understanding how to use ‘keep’ phrasal verbs correctly will significantly improve your comprehension and fluency in English. This guide is designed for English language learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced speakers, who want to expand their vocabulary and gain confidence in using these common expressions.
We’ll explore the definitions, structures, and usage of various phrasal verbs with ‘keep’, providing clear examples and practice exercises to solidify your understanding.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of Phrasal Verbs with ‘Keep’
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories
- Examples of Phrasal Verbs with ‘Keep’
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of Phrasal Verbs with ‘Keep’
A phrasal verb is a verb combined with one or more prepositions or adverbs. The combination creates a new meaning that is different from the original verb. Phrasal verbs with ‘keep’ follow this pattern, where ‘keep’ is combined with particles like ‘on,’ ‘up,’ ‘out,’ etc., to create a distinct meaning. These phrasal verbs can be transitive (requiring a direct object) or intransitive (not requiring a direct object), and they play a significant role in everyday English.
The function of phrasal verbs with ‘keep’ is broad, covering ideas such as continuing an action, maintaining a state, preventing something from happening, or adhering to a rule. The context in which these phrasal verbs are used determines their specific meaning.
For example, “keep going” means to continue, while “keep out” means to prevent entry.
Structural Breakdown
Phrasal verbs with ‘keep’ generally follow the structure: Keep + Particle (preposition or adverb). The particle significantly modifies the meaning of ‘keep’. It’s important to note that some phrasal verbs are separable, meaning the object can be placed between ‘keep’ and the particle, while others are inseparable, requiring the object to follow the particle directly.
For example:
- Separable: Keep the change. (Keep + object + particle)
- Inseparable: Keep up with the news. (Keep + particle + object)
The separability of a phrasal verb often depends on the nature of the object. If the object is a pronoun (him, her, it, them), it usually goes between the verb and the particle.
For example: “Keep it up.”
Types and Categories
Phrasal verbs with ‘keep’ can be categorized based on their meaning and function. Here are some common categories:
Keep On
Definition: To continue doing something. Often used to emphasize persistence.
Example: Keep on trying, and you’ll eventually succeed.
Keep Up
Definition: To maintain the same pace or level as someone or something else; to stay informed.
Example: It’s hard to keep up with all the new technology.
Keep Out
Definition: To prevent someone or something from entering a place.
Example: Keep out of the restricted area.
Keep Away
Definition: To stay at a distance from someone or something.
Example: Keep away from the edge of the cliff.
Keep Back
Definition: To stay at a distance; to hold something back.
Example: The police told the crowd to keep back.
Keep Down
Definition: To control or suppress something; to prevent food from being vomited.
Example: Try to keep down the noise.
Example: I couldn’t keep the food down after the rollercoaster.
Keep From
Definition: To prevent someone from doing something; to hide something.
Example: I couldn’t keep him from finding out the truth.
Keep In
Definition: To confine someone or something; to stay inside.
Example: We had to keep the dog in because of the storm.
Keep Off
Definition: To stay away from something; to avoid a topic.
Example: Keep off the grass.
Example: Let’s keep off the subject of politics tonight.
Keep To
Definition: To stick to a plan or agreement; to stay within a boundary.
Example: We need to keep to the schedule.
Keep Under
Definition: To control or suppress something.
Example: The government is trying to keep inflation under control.
Keep With
Definition: To continue to support or associate with someone or something.
Example: It’s important to keep with your friends, even when you’re busy.
Examples of Phrasal Verbs with ‘Keep’
To better understand how these phrasal verbs are used in context, let’s look at some examples organized by category. Each table below provides a range of sentences demonstrating the different meanings and usages of phrasal verbs with “keep.”
Table 1: Examples of ‘Keep On’
This table illustrates how ‘keep on’ is used to express the continuation of an action, often with a sense of persistence or encouragement. Pay attention to the context in each sentence to understand the subtle nuances.
| Sentence | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Keep on smiling, even when things are tough. | Continue smiling despite difficulties. |
| She told him to keep on trying, and he eventually succeeded. | She encouraged him to continue his efforts. |
| If you keep on practicing, you’ll improve your skills. | Continue practicing to enhance your abilities. |
| The rain might stop, but we should keep on walking. | We should continue walking despite the rain. |
| Keep on believing in yourself; you can do it. | Continue to have faith in your abilities. |
| Even though it’s hard, you must keep on studying. | Continue studying despite the difficulty. |
| Keep on working hard, and you will achieve your goals. | Continue putting in effort to reach your objectives. |
| Keep on fighting for what you believe in. | Continue advocating for your principles. |
| Just keep on swimming, just keep on swimming. | Continue swimming relentlessly. |
| Even when you feel like giving up, keep on going. | Continue moving forward even when discouraged. |
| They told us to keep on singing until everyone joined in. | Continue singing until everyone participates. |
| Keep on exploring, and you’ll discover amazing things. | Continue your exploration to find remarkable things. |
| If you keep on asking, they might eventually say yes. | Continue requesting, and they may agree. |
| The doctor told him to keep on taking his medicine. | Continue taking his medication as prescribed. |
| She decided to keep on writing, even if no one read her books. | Continue writing regardless of readership. |
| Keep on knocking; someone will eventually answer the door. | Continue knocking until someone opens the door. |
| He decided to keep on running, despite the pain in his leg. | Continue running despite the discomfort. |
| Keep on learning, and you’ll always stay ahead. | Continue learning to remain competitive. |
| Keep on pushing, you’re almost there! | Continue exerting effort because you are close to the goal. |
| You should keep on watering the plants every day. | Continue watering the plants daily. |
| Keep on practicing your instrument to become proficient. | Continue practicing to improve your proficiency. |
| Keep on reading; it broadens your horizons. | Continue reading to expand your knowledge. |
| Even when things get tough, keep on shining. | Continue to excel and stand out despite challenges. |
Table 2: Examples of ‘Keep Up’
This table showcases how ‘keep up’ is used to mean maintaining pace, staying informed, or continuing a good effort. Note the different contexts in which ‘keep up’ can be applied.
| Sentence | Meaning |
|---|---|
| It’s hard to keep up with all the new technology. | Difficult to stay updated with technological advancements. |
| Try to keep up with the latest news. | Make an effort to stay informed about current events. |
| She walks so fast; it’s difficult to keep up with her. | Hard to maintain the same pace as her. |
| You need to keep up your grades if you want to get into college. | Maintain good grades for college admission. |
| He’s finding it hard to keep up with the demands of the job. | Difficult to meet the job’s requirements. |
| We need to keep up the momentum to finish the project on time. | Maintain the current pace to complete the project. |
| It’s important to keep up appearances, even when you’re struggling. | Maintain a positive image despite difficulties. |
| The company is working hard to keep up with its competitors. | Trying to stay competitive in the market. |
| She does yoga to keep up her flexibility. | Practices yoga to maintain flexibility. |
| You should keep up your exercise routine to stay healthy. | Maintain your workout routine for health benefits. |
| It’s important to keep up your friendships, even when you’re busy. | Maintain your relationships despite being occupied. |
| The athlete trains hard to keep up his stamina. | Trains to maintain endurance. |
| Try to keep up the good work. | Continue performing well. |
| The team needs to keep up its performance to win the championship. | Maintain a high level of performance to win. |
| He reads newspapers daily to keep up with current events. | Reads to stay informed about current happenings. |
| It’s challenging to keep up with the increasing cost of living. | Difficult to afford the rising expenses. |
| She takes courses to keep up with the latest trends in her field. | Takes courses to stay updated in her profession. |
| You have to keep up with your studies if you want to pass the exam. | Need to stay consistent with studies to pass the exam. |
| They are struggling to keep up with the fast pace of the industry. | Finding it hard to maintain the speed required in the industry. |
| The company invests in training to help employees keep up with technology. | Invests in training to help employees stay updated. |
| It’s not easy to keep up with the Joneses. | Difficult to compete with others in acquiring possessions. |
| Keep up the enthusiasm, and you’ll inspire others. | Maintain your zeal, and you’ll motivate others. |
| We must keep up our spirits during these difficult times. | Maintain our morale during challenging periods. |
| The school is working to keep up its reputation for excellence. | Trying to maintain its esteemed status. |
Table 3: Examples of ‘Keep Out’
This table demonstrates how ‘keep out’ is used to prohibit entry or access. Notice the contexts where this phrasal verb is commonly found, such as warnings and restrictions.
| Sentence | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Keep out of the restricted area. | Do not enter the prohibited zone. |
| The sign said, “Keep out: Private Property.” | The sign indicated that the area is not for public access. |
| Try to keep the rain out by closing the windows. | Prevent the rain from entering by closing the windows. |
| Keep out of trouble. | Avoid getting into problematic situations. |
| She told the children to keep out of her room. | She instructed the children not to enter her room. |
| The fence is there to keep animals out of the garden. | The fence prevents animals from entering the garden. |
| Keep the noise out by wearing earplugs. | Prevent the noise from affecting you by using earplugs. |
| The security guard told them to keep out. | The guard instructed them not to enter. |
| We need to keep the cold out of the house. | Prevent the cold air from entering the house. |
| Keep out of the sun during the hottest part of the day. | Avoid exposure to the sun during peak heat hours. |
| The government is trying to keep foreign influence out of the election. | Prevent external interference in the election process. |
| Keep the bugs out by using insect repellent. | Prevent insects from bothering you by using repellent. |
| Keep out of debt. | Avoid accumulating debt. |
| The security system is designed to keep intruders out. | The system prevents unauthorized individuals from entering. |
| Keep the negativity out of your life. | Avoid negative influences and attitudes. |
| The filter helps to keep impurities out of the water. | The filter prevents contaminants from entering the water. |
| Keep out of other people’s business. | Avoid interfering in the affairs of others. |
| The museum asks visitors to keep out of the exhibits. | The museum requests visitors not to touch or enter the displays. |
| Keep the secrets out of the wrong hands. | Prevent confidential information from being disclosed to unauthorized individuals. |
| The program is designed to keep kids out of gangs. | The program aims to prevent children from joining gangs. |
| Keep the dust out by closing the windows. | Prevent dust from entering by closing the windows. |
| Keep out the rumors and focus on the facts. | Avoid listening to rumors and concentrate on verifiable information. |
| The new law aims to keep harmful products out of the market. | The law seeks to prevent the sale of dangerous goods. |
Table 4: Examples of ‘Keep Away’
This table illustrates how ‘keep away’ is used to maintain distance, either physically or metaphorically. Pay attention to the prepositions that often accompany this phrasal verb.
| Sentence | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Keep away from the edge of the cliff. | Stay at a distance from the cliff’s edge. |
| The doctor told him to keep away from fatty foods. | The doctor advised him to avoid consuming fatty foods. |
| Keep away from strangers. | Maintain a distance from unfamiliar individuals. |
| She tries to keep away from negative people. | She attempts to avoid associating with pessimistic individuals. |
| Keep the chemicals away from children. | Ensure chemicals are stored out of reach of children. |
| He told her to keep away from his personal belongings. | He instructed her not to touch his personal items. |
| Keep away from the fire. | Stay at a safe distance from the fire. |
| It’s best to keep away from controversial topics at dinner. | Avoid discussing sensitive subjects during dinner. |
| Keep away from gossip. | Refrain from participating in spreading rumors. |
| They warned us to keep away from the abandoned building. | They advised us to avoid the dilapidated structure. |
| Keep away from the influence of bad company. | Avoid the negative impact of harmful associations. |
| The parents told their children to keep away from the construction site. | The parents instructed their children to avoid the building site. |
| Keep away from sugary drinks. | Avoid consuming beverages high in sugar. |
| She tries to keep away from drama. | She attempts to avoid involvement in conflict. |
| Keep away from the broken glass. | Maintain distance from the shattered glass. |
| The sign advised hikers to keep away from wildlife. | The sign instructed hikers to avoid approaching wild animals. |
| Keep away from the areas affected by the flood. | Avoid the regions impacted by the flooding. |
| The teacher told the students to keep away from plagiarism. | The teacher instructed the students to avoid copying others’ work. |
| Keep away from processed foods. | Avoid consuming foods that have undergone extensive processing. |
| He tries to keep away from arguments. | He attempts to avoid engaging in disputes. |
| Keep away from the edge of the swimming pool. | Stay at a distance from the pool’s perimeter. |
| The warning label says to keep away from heat and flame. | The label advises avoiding exposure to high temperatures and fire. |
| Keep away from the dark alleys at night. | Avoid the dimly lit lanes during the evening. |
Table 5: Examples of ‘Keep Back’
This table illustrates how ‘keep back’ is used to mean to hold something back or to stay at a distance. It’s important to note the difference from “keep away,” where “keep back” often implies a more immediate or temporary distance.
| Sentence | Meaning |
|---|---|
| The police told the crowd to keep back. | The police instructed the crowd to stay at a distance. |
| Keep back a little; I need some space. | Move back slightly to give me more room. |
| He tried to keep back his tears. | He attempted to hold back his emotions and not cry. |
| Keep back some money for emergencies. | Save some money for unexpected situations. |
| The teacher asked the children to keep back from the edge of the stage. | The teacher instructed the children to stay away from the stage’s edge. |
| She had to keep back her laughter during the serious meeting. | She had to suppress her urge to laugh during the formal gathering. |
| Keep back the details until we have more information. | Hold off on revealing the particulars until we have more facts. |
| The security personnel told everyone to keep back from the crime scene. | The security staff instructed everyone to stay away from the area where the crime occurred. |
| You should keep back your opinions until you’re asked. | Refrain from sharing your views unless requested. |
| The dam is designed to keep back floodwaters. | The dam is built to contain and prevent the spread of floodwaters. |
| He tried to keep back his anger, but it was difficult. | He struggled to suppress his rage, but it was challenging. |
| Keep back a portion of your salary for investments. | Set aside a part of your income for investments. |
| The manager asked the employees to keep back their complaints until the performance review. | The manager requested the employees to postpone their grievances until the evaluation. |
| Keep back the curtains to let in more sunlight. | Hold the curtains open to allow more light to enter. |
| She had to keep back the truth to protect her friend. | She had to conceal the facts to safeguard her friend. |
| Keep back your energy for the final sprint. | Conserve your strength for the last burst of speed. |
| The police used barriers to keep back the protesters. | The police employed barriers to restrain the demonstrators. |
| Keep back the extra supplies in case we need them. | Store the additional resources in the event that we require them. |
| He tried to keep back his disappointment when he didn’t get the job. | He attempted to hide his sadness when he was not hired. |
| Keep back from the machinery while it’s in operation. | Stay a safe distance from the equipment when it’s running. |
| The company decided to keep back some of its profits for future expansion. | The company chose to retain a portion of its earnings for growth. |
| Keep back your criticism unless it’s constructive. | Refrain from offering negative feedback unless it’s helpful. |
Usage Rules
Understanding the usage rules for phrasal verbs with ‘keep’ is crucial for accurate communication. Here are some key rules to remember:
- Separability: As mentioned earlier, some phrasal verbs with ‘keep’ are separable, while others are inseparable. When a phrasal verb is separable and the object is a pronoun, the pronoun goes between ‘keep’ and the particle (e.g., Keep it up). If the object is a noun, it can go either before or after the particle (e.g., Keep the change or Keep up the change – although the latter is less common and idiomatic).
- Intransitive vs. Transitive: Some phrasal verbs with ‘keep’ are intransitive and do not take an object (e.g., Keep out), while others are transitive and require an object (e.g., Keep something down).
- Context: The meaning of a phrasal verb with ‘keep’ can change depending on the context. Always consider the surrounding words and situation to determine the intended meaning.
- Tense: Like all verbs, ‘keep’ can be conjugated into different tenses (e.g., keeps, kept, keeping). Make sure to use the correct tense to match the time frame you are referring to.
Common Mistakes
Learners often make mistakes when using phrasal verbs with ‘keep’. Here are some common errors and how to correct them:
- Incorrect: Keep up it.
Correct: Keep it up. (Pronoun should be between ‘keep’ and ‘up’.) - Incorrect: Keep out the dog from the garden.
Correct: Keep the dog out of the garden. (Correct word order with a noun object) - Incorrect: I tried to keep down, but the noise was too loud.
Correct: I tried to keep the noise down, but it was too loud. (Object placement in separable phrasal verb) - Incorrect: She kept from me the secret.
Correct: She kept the secret from me. (Correct word order with ‘keep from’)
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with these practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with the correct phrasal verb with ‘keep’.
Exercise 1: Choose the correct phrasal verb.
Instructions: Fill in the blank with the appropriate phrasal verb from the list: keep on, keep up, keep out, keep away, keep back.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. You should _________ from negative influences. | keep away |
| 2. The sign says, “_________ of the construction site.” | keep out |
| 3. It’s hard to _________ with the latest fashion trends. | keep up |
| 4. _________ trying, and you’ll eventually succeed. | Keep on |
| 5. The police told the crowd to _________. | keep back |
| 6. Even when it’s difficult, you must __________ studying. | keep on |
| 7. Try to __________ your spirits during these challenging times. | keep up |
| 8. __________ from the fire; it’s dangerous. | Keep away |
| 9. The security guard instructed everyone to __________ from the crime scene. | keep back |
| 10. __________ learning, and you’ll always stay ahead. | Keep on |
Exercise 2: Rewrite the sentences using phrasal verbs with ‘keep’.
Instructions: Rewrite the following sentences using a phrasal verb with ‘keep’ that has a similar meaning.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Continue practicing your instrument to improve your skills. | Keep on practicing your instrument to improve your skills. |
| 2. Avoid consuming sugary drinks. | Keep away from sugary drinks. |
| 3. Maintain your workout routine to stay healthy. | Keep up your exercise routine to stay healthy. |
| 4. Prevent the rain from entering by closing the windows. | Keep the rain out by closing the windows. |
| 5. Save some money for unexpected situations. | Keep back some money for emergencies. |
| 6. It can be hard to maintain the same pace as her. | It can be hard to keep up with her. |
| 7. Continue smiling despite difficulties. | Keep on smiling, even when things are tough. |
| 8. Avoid getting into problematic situations. | Keep out of trouble. |
| 9. Try to stay at a distance from unfamiliar individuals. | Try to keep away from strangers. |
| 10. He attempted to hold back his emotions and not cry. | He tried to keep back his tears. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, it’s important to understand the subtle nuances and less common usages of phrasal verbs with ‘keep’. This includes recognizing idiomatic expressions and understanding how these verbs can be used in more complex sentence structures.
For example, understanding the passive voice with phrasal verbs can further enhance your command of the language.
Another advanced aspect is understanding the historical evolution of these phrasal verbs. Some usages may be archaic or less common in modern English, while others are constantly evolving with new meanings.
Exposure to a wide range of English texts and conversations is key to mastering these nuances.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about phrasal verbs with ‘keep’:
- Q: Are all phrasal verbs with ‘keep’ separable?
A: No, not all phrasal verbs with ‘keep’ are separable. Some, like “keep up with,” are inseparable, while others, like “keep out,” are intransitive and do not take a direct object. The separability depends on the specific phrasal verb. - Q: How can I tell if a phrasal verb is separable?
A: A good rule of thumb is to try placing a pronoun between ‘keep’ and the particle. If it sounds natural and grammatically correct, then the phrasal verb is likely separable. For example, “Keep it up” sounds correct, while “Keep up it” does not. - Q: What’s the difference between ‘keep away’ and ‘keep out’?
A: ‘Keep away’ generally means to maintain a distance from something, either physically or metaphorically (e.g., “Keep away from strangers”). ‘Keep out’ means to prevent someone or something from entering a place (e.g., “Keep out of the restricted area”). - Q: Can I use ‘keep on’ and ‘continue’ interchangeably?
A: While they have similar meanings, ‘keep on’ often implies a greater sense of persistence or determination than ‘continue’. ‘Keep on’ is also more informal than ‘continue’. - Q: How do I memorize phrasal verbs with ‘keep’?
A: The best way to memorize phrasal verbs is through context and repetition. Read and listen to English materials, paying attention to how these verbs are used. Create your own sentences using the phrasal verbs, and practice speaking them. Flashcards and spaced repetition techniques can also be helpful. - Q: Why are phrasal verbs so important in English?
A: Phrasal verbs are an integral part of everyday English, used in both spoken and written communication. Understanding them is crucial for comprehending native speakers and expressing yourself fluently and naturally. They also add nuance and precision to your language. - Q: Is there a limit to how
the particle can modify the meaning of “keep”?
A: The particle significantly alters the meaning of “keep,” often creating meanings that are not immediately obvious from the individual words. The range of modification is quite broad, covering actions, states, and prohibitions.
Conclusion
Phrasal verbs with ‘keep’ are a vital component of the English language, offering a rich array of meanings and applications. By understanding their structure, usage rules, and common pitfalls, English language learners can greatly enhance their fluency and comprehension.
Consistent practice, exposure to real-world examples, and a willingness to embrace the nuances of these expressions will pave the way for mastering phrasal verbs with ‘keep’. Whether you’re striving to improve your conversational skills, excel in academic writing, or simply deepen your understanding of English, mastering these verbs is a worthwhile endeavor that will undoubtedly enrich your linguistic journey.