Differences between keep around and keep in

Keep around means to keep something or someone nearby or available, while keep in means to confine or restrict someone or something within a particular space or limit.

Meanings and Definitions: keep around vs keep in

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Keep around

1Keep something near you.
I KEEP a dictionary AROUND when I'm doing my homework.

Keep in

1Not allow someone out.
The teacher KEPT the students IN after school because they had misbehaved.

Usage Examples: keep around, keep in in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

keep around

Example

I always keep around a pen and paper for taking notes.

Example

She keeps around a spare phone charger in her bag.

keep in

Example

The coach keeps the players in the locker room during halftime.

Example

She keeps her dog in the house when it's raining outside.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Keep around

hang onto

To keep or retain something, especially when it's valuable or useful.

Example

I decided to hang onto my old laptop since it still works well and has all my files.

have on hand

To keep or possess something for future use or need.

Example

I always have some snacks on hand in case I get hungry during a long trip.

hold onto

To keep or retain something, especially when it's sentimental or meaningful.

Example

She decided to hold onto her grandmother's necklace as a cherished family heirloom.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Keep in

confine to

To restrict or limit someone or something within a particular space or boundary.

Example

The patient was confined to bed rest for a week after the surgery.

restrain from

To prevent or hold back someone or something from doing a particular action or behavior.

Example

The teacher had to restrain the students from running in the hallway to avoid accidents.

limit to

To restrict or confine something or someone within a particular range or scope.

Example

The project was limited to a budget of $10,000 and a timeline of three months.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “keep”

Phrasal Verbs with “around”

Phrasal Verbs with “in”

Differences in keep around vs keep in: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: keep around or keep in?

In daily conversation, people use keep around more often than keep in. This is because keep around is used for more casual situations such as keeping a friend nearby or keeping an object accessible. Keep in is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about confining something or someone. So, while both phrases are used, keep around is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of keep around and keep in

Keep around and keep in are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of keep around and keep in

The tone of keep around and keep in can differ based on context. Keep around often carries a friendly or helpful tone when related to keeping someone or something nearby, while keep in typically has a restrictive or controlling tone, especially when referring to confining someone or something.

keep around & keep in: Synonyms and Antonyms

Keep around

Synonyms

Antonyms

discard
remove
eliminate
dispose of
throw away
get rid of

Keep in

Synonyms

confine
restrict
hold
detain
retain
prevent from leaving

Antonyms

release
free
liberate
let out
allow out
set free