English Phrasal Verbs With “keep”

English Phrasal Verbs With “Keep”

Phrasal verbs are an essential part of English, combining a verb with a preposition or adverb to create a new meaning. The verb “keep” is commonly used in phrasal verbs, and mastering them can significantly improve fluency. Below is a comprehensive guide to phrasal verbs with “keep,” including meanings, examples, and exercises.

1. Keep Up

Meaning: To continue or maintain something at the same level or pace.

She tries to keep up with the latest fashion trends.
It’s hard to keep up with his fast speaking.
You need to keep up your studies to pass the exam.

2. Keep Away

Meaning: To avoid going near something or someone; to prevent someone from approaching.

Keep away from the edge of the cliff—it’s dangerous!
She kept her children away from the busy road.
The sign says, “Keep away from the construction site.”

3. Keep On

Meaning: To continue doing something persistently.

He kept on talking even though no one was listening.
Don’t give up—just keep on trying!
She kept on working late into the night.

4. Keep Back

Meaning: To withhold something or prevent someone from advancing.

The teacher kept back some students after class.
He kept back his emotions during the speech.
The police kept the crowd back from the accident scene.

5. Keep Down

Meaning: To control or limit something; to stay quiet or hidden.

She tried to keep down her excitement.
The government wants to keep down inflation.
They had to keep down to avoid being seen.

6. Keep Off

Meaning: To avoid touching or stepping on something; to stay away.

Keep off the grass—it’s freshly planted.
She kept off sugary foods to stay healthy.
The sign warns people to keep off the wet paint.

7. Keep Out

Meaning: To prevent someone or something from entering.

The fence is there to keep out stray animals.
They put up a sign saying, “Keep out—private property!”
She wore sunglasses to keep out the bright sunlight.

8. Keep To

Meaning: To stick to a plan, promise, or topic.

He always keeps to his word.
Please keep to the main point during the discussion.
She kept to her diet strictly.

9. Keep Up With

Meaning: To stay at the same level or pace as someone or something.

He runs fast—I can’t keep up with him!
She reads newspapers daily to keep up with current events.
It’s hard to keep up with technology these days.

10. Keep In

Meaning: To restrain or hold back; to stay indoors.

She kept in her anger during the argument.
The doctor advised him to keep in due to the cold weather.
Parents often tell kids to keep in after dark.

Exercises

Test your understanding of “keep” phrasal verbs with these exercises:

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Choose the correct phrasal verb from the list below to complete each sentence:

keep up | keep away | keep on | keep back | keep down

Please _____ from the edge—it’s not safe!
She had to _____ her tears during the sad movie.
If you _____ practicing, you’ll improve quickly.
He struggled to _____ with the fast-paced lecture.
The government is trying to _____ taxes this year.

Exercise 2: Rewrite the Sentences

Replace the underlined words with the correct “keep” phrasal verb:

She continued working despite being tired. → She _____ working despite being tired.
He avoided going near the wild dog. → He _____ from the wild dog.
They stayed indoors because of the storm. → They _____ because of the storm.
She maintained her promise to visit. → She _____ her promise to visit.
The teacher restrained some students after class. → The teacher _____ some students after class.

Exercise 3: Create Your Own Sentences

Write three original sentences using any of the “keep” phrasal verbs discussed above.

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Phrasal Verb	Meaning
keep up	continue or maintain something
keep away	avoid going near
keep on	continue persistently
keep back	withhold or prevent
keep down	control or limit