Phrasal verbs are an integral part of the English language, often causing confusion for learners due to their idiomatic nature. Among the most versatile and frequently used verbs is “keep.” This verb, when combined with various prepositions and adverbs, forms a rich tapestry of phrasal verbs, each with its distinct meaning and application.
Mastering these “keep” phrasal verbs can significantly enhance your fluency and comprehension, allowing you to understand native speakers more effectively and express yourself with greater nuance. This article will delve into the most essential phrasal verbs involving “keep,” providing clear definitions, illustrative examples, and practical exercises to solidify your understanding and usage.
Understanding the Core Verb “Keep”
The foundational meaning of “keep” relates to possession or holding something. It implies maintaining something in a particular state or place. This basic sense underpins many of its phrasal verb constructions.
Consider the simple act of keeping a secret; it means to withhold information from others. Similarly, keeping a promise involves fulfilling an obligation made to someone. This core idea of retention is crucial for grasping the nuances of its phrasal forms.
The verb “keep” also signifies continuation. We keep going when we persist in an activity despite difficulties. This notion of sustained action is another key element to understand.
Essential Phrasal Verbs with “Keep”: Meanings and Examples
Keep Up
The phrasal verb “keep up” has several distinct meanings, making it a highly versatile expression in English. One of its most common uses signifies maintaining a pace or speed, especially in a race or a challenging activity.
For instance, if you are running with a group, and you can’t match their speed, you might say, “I can’t keep up with them!” This implies a struggle to maintain the same rate of progress or effort as others.
Another important meaning of “keep up” is to stay informed or current with developments. This is particularly relevant in professional or academic contexts where staying updated is crucial for success. For example, professionals often need to “keep up with” the latest research in their field.
In a more general sense, “keep up” can mean to continue doing something or to maintain a certain standard. If someone is working hard, you might encourage them by saying, “Keep up the good work!” This is a direct encouragement to continue their efforts.
This phrasal verb also extends to maintaining a conversation or communication. If you are discussing a complex topic, you might ask someone, “Are you able to keep up with what I’m saying?” This checks if they are following the flow of information.
Finally, “keep up” can refer to maintaining a relationship or contact. People often strive to “keep up with” old friends, meaning they try to stay in touch despite distance or busy schedules. This involves making an effort to maintain the connection.
Keep On
The phrasal verb “keep on” is primarily used to express the idea of continuing an action without stopping, often despite obstacles or discouragement. It emphasizes persistence and determination.
A classic example is “Keep on trying.” This phrase is a motivational statement encouraging someone not to give up, even if they have faced failures. It highlights the importance of perseverance.
This phrasal verb often appears in the imperative form, serving as direct encouragement. “Keep on reading until you understand” is a directive to maintain the act of reading until comprehension is achieved.
It can also describe a continuous, often monotonous, action. For example, “The rain kept on falling all night,” indicating an uninterrupted downpour. This usage focuses on the sustained nature of an event.
When used in relation to a person’s behavior, “keep on” can sometimes imply a negative or annoying persistence. “He keeps on complaining about everything” suggests an excessive and unwelcome habit of complaining.
The distinction between “keep on” and “keep up” can be subtle but is important. While “keep up” often relates to pace or progress, “keep on” focuses more on the act of continuation itself.
Keep Out
The phrasal verb “keep out” signifies preventing someone or something from entering a particular place. It implies a deliberate act of exclusion or restriction.
A common instruction is “Keep out!” This is a direct command to stay away from a specific area, often for safety reasons. Think of signs on construction sites or restricted zones.
It can also refer to preventing unwanted things from entering. For example, “We need to keep the mosquitoes out of the house.” This involves taking measures to block their entry.
In a more figurative sense, “keep out” means to avoid involvement in a situation or conflict. “I decided to keep out of their argument” means choosing not to participate or interfere.
This phrasal verb is essential for understanding rules and boundaries. “The fence is designed to keep out wild animals” clearly states its purpose of exclusion.
The opposite of “keep out” is often “let in” or “allow entry.” Understanding these contrasting meanings helps to solidify the concept of exclusion.
Keep Away
Similar to “keep out,” the phrasal verb “keep away” means to prevent someone or something from coming near or approaching a particular place or person. It emphasizes distance and avoidance.
A common warning is to “keep away from” dangerous things. For instance, children are often told to “keep away from the hot stove.” This is a safety instruction to maintain a distance.
In the context of health, it’s important to “keep away from” sick people to avoid contagion. This highlights the preventive aspect of maintaining distance.
This phrasal verb can also be used to describe personal preferences or boundaries. “I like to keep away from crowded places” indicates a desire for solitude or less stimulation.
The nuance here is often about maintaining a broader perimeter than just preventing entry. “Keep away” suggests a more general exclusion from a vicinity.
Keep Back
The phrasal verb “keep back” has a primary meaning related to holding something in reserve or preventing it from advancing. It often implies a delay or a withholding of something.
In a crowd control situation, authorities might instruct people to “keep back” to maintain a safe distance from an event. This prevents people from getting too close and potentially causing a stampede or other dangers.
It can also mean to refrain from saying something or to hide one’s true feelings. “She kept her true emotions back, not wanting to upset anyone.” This implies a suppression of expression.
In terms of physical objects, “keep back” can mean to hold something in storage or not to use it immediately. “We decided to keep some of the profit back for future investments.” This is about financial or resource management.
The idea is often about maintaining a separation or preventing immediate access or revelation.
Keep Down
The phrasal verb “keep down” carries multiple meanings, often related to suppression, control, or maintaining a low level.
One significant meaning is to suppress noise or a disturbance. “Please try to keep down the noise; the baby is sleeping.” This is a request to reduce sound levels.
It also means to prevent something from increasing or rising. For example, “The doctor advised him to keep his cholesterol levels down.” This refers to controlling a quantity.
In the context of food, “keep down” means to successfully digest something. If you feel sick, you might say, “I can’t keep anything down,” meaning you are unable to digest food.
Another usage relates to preventing someone from gaining power or influence. “The government tried to keep down the rebellion.” This signifies an effort to suppress opposition.
The concept of maintaining a low state or preventing escalation is central to this phrasal verb.
Keep Off
The phrasal verb “keep off” primarily means to prevent someone or something from touching, stepping on, or using a particular surface or area. It is about exclusion from a specific physical space.
A common instruction is “Keep off the grass!” This is a directive to avoid walking on a lawn to protect it. It’s about preserving a surface.
It can also mean to prevent something from landing or settling. “We tried to keep the snow off the pathways.” This involves active measures to clear or prevent accumulation.
In a more abstract sense, “keep off” can mean to avoid discussing a particular topic. “Let’s keep off politics during the dinner party.” This is about steering conversation away from sensitive subjects.
The focus is on preventing contact or interference with a specific area or item.
Keep Through
The phrasal verb “keep through” is less common but signifies the ability to endure or survive a difficult period or experience. It implies resilience and the capacity to persevere until the end of a challenging situation.
For example, one might say, “It was a tough winter, but we managed to keep through it by staying positive.” This highlights overcoming adversity.
It suggests a sustained effort to maintain one’s well-being or progress during hardship. This involves a continuous struggle against negative circumstances.
The core idea is about navigating and surviving a period of difficulty without succumbing to it.
Keep At
The phrasal verb “keep at” means to continue working on something persistently, especially if it is difficult or tedious. It emphasizes sustained effort and dedication to a task.
If you are learning a new skill, like a musical instrument, you are encouraged to “keep at it.” This means to practice regularly, even when progress seems slow.
This phrase is often used to motivate someone facing challenges in their work or studies. “Don’t give up on that difficult problem; just keep at it.”
The essence of “keep at” is about unwavering commitment to a task until it is completed or mastered.
Keep Over
The phrasal verb “keep over” is used to describe the act of postponing or delaying an event or activity to a later time. It signifies rescheduling for the future.
For instance, if a meeting cannot proceed as planned, the organizers might decide to “keep it over” until the next week. This means the meeting will happen at a later date.
This is particularly common in formal settings or when unexpected circumstances arise. It allows for flexibility in planning.
The implication is that the event will still happen, just not at the originally intended time.
Keep Round / Around
The phrasal verb “keep round” or “keep around” means to keep something in one’s possession or nearby for future use or convenience. It implies having something readily accessible.
For example, “I always keep a spare key around the house.” This ensures that a backup is available if needed.
It can also refer to keeping someone in a particular place or vicinity. “The police asked him to keep around the station until they had further questions.” This means to remain in the area.
The core idea is about maintaining proximity or possession for potential future need or interaction.
Keep Within
The phrasal verb “keep within” means to stay inside certain limits or boundaries, whether they are physical, financial, or ethical. It emphasizes adherence to constraints.
A common application is financial budgeting: “It’s important to keep within your budget.” This means not spending more money than you have allocated.
It can also refer to physical boundaries. “The children were told to keep within the garden.” This is about staying in a designated area.
The phrase implies discipline and self-control to avoid exceeding established limits.
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following sentences using the most appropriate phrasal verb with “keep” from the list below. Each phrasal verb may be used more than once.
keep up, keep on, keep out, keep away, keep back, keep down, keep off, keep at, keep over, keep around
1. Please __________ the noise; the neighbors are trying to sleep.
2. You need to __________ with the latest technological advancements to stay competitive.
3. The sign clearly stated, “__________!” to warn people from entering the dangerous construction site.
4. She decided to __________ her emotions __________ and not let anyone see how upset she was.
5. If you want to master the piano, you must __________ practicing every day.
6. The doctor advised him to __________ sugary foods __________ to improve his health.
7. Please __________ your pets __________ the newly planted flowers.
8. The meeting was so long that we had to __________ it __________ until tomorrow.
9. It’s a good idea to __________ some emergency supplies __________ just in case.
10. The teacher encouraged the students to __________ trying even when the math problems were difficult.
11. __________ the children __________ from the busy road.
12. We need to __________ the cost of the project __________ the allocated budget.
13. He found it hard to __________ the memories of that day __________ his mind.
14. The security guard told the onlookers to __________.
15. __________ with your excellent performance!
Exercise 2: Sentence Transformation
Rewrite the following sentences using a phrasal verb with “keep” that has a similar meaning. Use the clues provided in parentheses.
1. Please stop making so much noise. (Use a phrasal verb meaning to reduce noise.)
2. You must continue working on this project until it is finished. (Use a phrasal verb meaning to persist with a task.)
3. It is important to maintain the same speed as the other runners. (Use a phrasal verb meaning to maintain pace.)
4. Prevent unauthorized people from entering this area. (Use a phrasal verb meaning to prevent entry.)
5. Try to avoid discussing that sensitive topic. (Use a phrasal verb meaning to avoid a topic.)
6. The event has been postponed to a later date. (Use a phrasal verb meaning to postpone.)
7. You should not spend more money than you have planned. (Use a phrasal verb meaning to stay within limits.)
8. Maintain your effort and don’t give up. (Use a phrasal verb meaning to continue an action.)
9. Keep a spare copy of the document nearby. (Use a phrasal verb meaning to have something accessible.)
10. Stay a safe distance from the edge of the cliff. (Use a phrasal verb meaning to maintain distance.)
Exercise 3: Creative Writing Prompt
Write a short story (150-200 words) that incorporates at least five different phrasal verbs with “keep.” Try to use them in natural and meaningful contexts.
For example, your story could be about someone trying to achieve a goal, facing a challenge, or managing a difficult situation. Focus on showcasing the varied meanings of the phrasal verbs.
Consider using verbs like “keep up,” “keep on,” “keep down,” “keep at,” and “keep away” to describe actions, efforts, and decisions within your narrative.
Answers to Exercises
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks Answers
1. keep down
2. keep up
3. Keep out
4. keep, back
5. keep at
6. keep, down
7. keep, off
8. keep, over
9. keep, around
10. keep on
11. Keep, away
12. keep, down
13. keep, around
14. keep back
15. Keep up
Exercise 2: Sentence Transformation Answers
1. Please keep the noise down.
2. You must keep at this project until it is finished.
3. You must keep up with the speed of the other runners.
4. Prevent unauthorized people from keeping out of this area.
5. Try to keep off that sensitive topic.
6. The event has been kept over until a later date.
7. You should keep within your budget.
8. Keep on with your effort and don’t give up.
9. Keep a spare copy of the document around.
10. Keep away from the edge of the cliff.
Exercise 3: Creative Writing Prompt Guidance
When writing your story, focus on integrating the phrasal verbs naturally. For instance, a character might be trying to “keep up” with a demanding job, “keep on” studying despite difficulties, “keep down” their expenses, “keep at” a hobby, and “keep away” from distractions. Ensure each phrasal verb adds to the narrative’s clarity and flow.