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Same verb · different particle

“keep” phrasal verbs

Same verb, different particle, different meaning. Learn these 6 one at a time, then test yourself.

6 phrasal verbslisten & quiz
keep
atawayoffonoutup

keep + at · 1 of 6

keep at

continue doing something (even if it is difficult)

  • keep at sth

To keep doing something, especially when it is hard or takes a long time.

How oftenNow and then
LevelB1
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

If you keep at your English practice, you'll see big improvements.

A: I'm finding this project really tough.
B: Just keep at it—you'll get there!

Common mistake

Not: Keep at to practise every day.

Say: Keep at it and practise every day.

'Keep at' takes an object ('keep at it'), and 'keep at it' is the usual fixed form.

More on “keep at”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

When I was preparing for the IELTS exam, I kept at studying every day, even when I felt tired.

Tell it apart

Keep at it.

  • keep trying the hard thing

Keep it up.

  • maintain the good thing you're already doing well

Goes with

  • keep at it
Practice saying this
Next: keep away

keep + away · 2 of 6

keep away

stay away

  • keep away from sb/sth
  • also: keep away from

to avoid going near someone or something, or to not let someone go near it.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

You should keep away from that dog; it can be aggressive.

A: What's that sign say?
B: It says 'Keep away from the edge.' It's dangerous over there.

Common mistake

Not: Keep away to the wet floor.

Say: Keep away from the wet floor.

When you name what to avoid, use 'keep away FROM'; bare 'keep away' stands alone.

More on “keep away”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, it's important to keep away from unhealthy foods if you want to stay fit.

Tell it apart

Keep away!

  • stay back — general warning

Keep out!

  • don't enter this area

Goes with

  • keep away
Practice saying this
Next: keep off

keep + off · 3 of 6

keep off

avoid touching or stepping on

  • keep off sth

to not walk on, touch, or go onto something, usually because it is not allowed or could be damaged.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

Please keep off the grass so it can grow properly.

A: Why is there a sign here?
B: It says 'Keep off the grass.' They don't want people walking on it.

Common mistake

Not: Keep off from the grass.

Say: Keep off the grass.

'Keep off' + the surface directly — no 'from'.

More on “keep off”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my city, there are many parks with signs asking people to keep off certain areas to protect the plants.

Tell it apart

Keep off the grass.

  • don't step on it

Keep away from the edge.

  • don't go near it

Goes with

  • keep off + surface
Practice saying this
Next: keep on

keep + on · 4 of 6

keep on

continue

  • keep on -ing verb

To continue doing something, especially in a determined or repeated way.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

Even though it was raining, they kept on playing football.

A: I’m so tired of studying for this exam.
B: I know, but you have to keep on trying if you want to pass.

Common mistake

Not: He kept on to walk.

Say: He kept on walking.

'Keep on' is followed by -ing, not 'to'.

More on “keep on”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, people should keep on learning new skills throughout their lives to stay competitive in the job market.

Tell it apart

Keep on trying — you'll get there.

  • continue / persist

She kept on at me all evening.

  • nagged repeatedly — annoying

Goes with

  • keep on + -ing
Practice saying this
Next: keep out

keep + out · 5 of 6

keep out

prevent entry

  • keep out of sth

to stop someone or something from entering a place or area.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

The sign on the gate says 'Keep Out' to stop people from entering the construction site.

A: Why is there tape across the door?
B: They're painting inside, so they're keeping everyone out until it's dry.

Common mistake

Not: This fence keeps out the animals from the garden.

Say: This fence keeps the animals out of the garden.

With an object, it splits: 'keep something out of a place'.

More on “keep out”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my hometown, there are some private beaches where fences are used to keep out people who don't live in the area.

Tell it apart

Keep out!

  • don't come in

Get out!

  • leave now — you're already in

Goes with

  • keep out (of)
Practice saying this
Next: keep up

keep + up · 6 of 6

keep up

maintain the same pace

  • keep up with sb/sth
  • also: keep up with

To move or progress at the same speed as someone or something else, so you are not left behind.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

It's hard to keep up with my brother when he's running.

A: You're walking so fast!
B: Sorry, can you keep up?
A: I'll try, but slow down a bit.

Common mistake

Not: I can't keep up the class.

Say: I can't keep up with the class.

'Keep up WITH someone/something' — don't drop 'with'.

More on “keep up”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my job, I have to keep up with all the new technology, which can be quite challenging.

Tell it apart

I can't keep up with you — slow down!

  • match the pace

Keep up the good work!

  • maintain the standard

Goes with

  • keep up with
Practice saying this
Test yourself: which “keep” fits?
Fill the gap

Which “keep” fits?

Read the sentence, then pick the phrasal verb that belongs in the gap.

Turn this into speaking practice

Pick one and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.

keep atkeep awaykeep offkeep onkeep outkeep up