Phrasal Verbs with “keep”
"Keep" builds phrasal verbs about continuing, staying level, and staying away. Here are the common ones, each with a meaning and an example.
Tip
"Keep on" and "keep -ing" both mean continue — "keep on walking" and "keep walking" are the same.
8 phrasal verbs with “keep”
keep on
to continue doing something.
“She kept on talking for an hour.”
keep up
to stay at the same level or pace.
“Slow down — I can't keep up!”
keep up with
to stay informed about; or to match the pace of.
“It's hard to keep up with the news.”
keep away
to stay at a distance.
“Keep away from the edge.”
keep off
to stay off or avoid something.
“The sign said 'keep off the grass.'”
keep out
to stay outside; or to prevent someone from entering.
“A sign on the gate read 'keep out.'”
keep back
to hold something in reserve; or to not reveal it.
“He kept back part of the story.”
keep to
to stick to a plan, rule, or path.
“Let's keep to the schedule.”
Frequently asked
What's the difference between "keep up" and "keep up with"?
"Keep up" means stay at the same pace or level in general ("keep up the good work"). "Keep up with" needs an object — a person, a subject, or the news ("keep up with your classmates").
Is "keep on doing" correct?
Yes. "Keep on" is followed by the -ing form: "keep on trying," "keep on smiling." It's the same as "keep trying."