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keep up — 3 meanings

One phrase, 3 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb3 meanings
keep up
maintain the same pacestay informedmaintain standards

Meaning 1 · most common

maintain the same pace

  • keep up with sb/sth

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 “maintain the same pace”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
Next meaning: stay informed

Meaning 2

stay informed

  • keep up with sth

To continue to know about the latest news, information, or changes in a subject or activity.

How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

I try to keep up with the latest news every morning.

A: Do you keep up with what's happening in the world?
B: Not really, I don't have much time to read the news.

Common mistake

Not: It's hard to keep up the latest trends.

Say: It's hard to keep up with the latest trends.

This sense needs 'with' — 'keep up WITH' developments.

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

Another example

It's important for students to keep up with current events, especially if they want to study abroad.

Tell it apart

I keep up with the news.

  • stay informed

Keep up the good work.

  • maintain a standard

Goes with

  • keep up with
Practice saying this
Next meaning: maintain standards

Meaning 3

maintain standards

  • keep up with standards/quality/performance

To continue to meet a required level of quality, performance, or behaviour, especially when it is difficult to do so.

How oftenNow and then
LevelC1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

It's becoming increasingly difficult for small businesses to keep up the high standards their customers expect.

A: How's the new job going?
B: It's challenging. I'm not sure I can keep up the level of performance they want from me.

Common mistake

Not: Keep up with the good work!

Say: Keep up the good work!

This 'maintain a standard' sense takes a direct object — 'keep up the good work' (no 'with'). 'With' is for matching a pace.

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

Another example

In order to remain competitive, companies must constantly innovate and keep up high standards across all departments.

Tell it apart

Keep up the good work.

  • maintain the standard

Keep up with the news.

  • stay informed

Goes with

  • keep up + standard
Practice saying this
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maintain the same pacestay informedmaintain standards