English Phrasal Verbs
A phrasal verb is a verb followed by a preposition or an adverb.
The combination creates a meaning different from the original verb.
The combination creates a meaning different from the original verb.
Commonly-used phrasal verbs.
Phrasal Verbs with KEEP
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Keep around | Keep something near you, within a short distance. | "You can use my dictionary. I always like to keep one around" |
| Keep at | Persevere; continue. | "Sergio's father encouraged him to keep at his studies." |
| Keep away | Prevent someone from going somewhere. | "The accident kept him away from work for a few weeks." |
| Keep back | Retain; force to stay at a certain distance. | “A barrier will be installed to keep back the fans.” |
| Keep down | Stop from increasing; keep at a low level. | "We are trying to keep down our electricity bill." |
| Keep down | Eat food without vomiting. | "My mother is very ill; she can’t keep down any food." |
| Keep from | Prevent yourself from doing something; control yourself. | "It was so sad that it was hard to keep from crying." |
| Keep in | Retain; not let someone or something out. | "We keep in the dog when the postman arrives." |
| Keep out | Force to stay outside; not let someone or something in. | "Close the kitchen door! The cat and the dog must be kept out!" |
| Keep in with | Stay on good terms with someone. | "It's preferable to keep in with your colleagues." |
| Keep off | Not tread/walk on something. | "Visitors are requested to keep off the grass." |
| Keep off | Avoid talking about something. | "Her son is a soldier, so let’s keep off the subject of war." |
| Keep off | Stay away from something. | "To lose weight it is recommended to keep off sweets and cakes." |
| Keep out of | Not become involved in something. | "My dad always keeps out of arguments about politics." |
| Keep to | Stick to something. | "We’re tied to time so let’s keep to the agenda." |
| Keep up | Continue to do something. | "You’re doing very well. Keep up the good work!" |
| Keep (someone) up | Prevent someone from going to bed. | "It’s getting late. I don’t want to keep you up!" |
| Keep up with | Progress at the same rate/not fall behind. | "The child finds it hard to keep up with the others." |
More Phrasal Verbs: