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Phrasal verbs "keep away" vs "keep back"

Differences between keep away and keep back

Keep away means to stay at a distance from something or someone, while keep back means to hold something or someone back.

Meanings and Definitions: keep away vs keep back

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Keep away

  • 1Don't allow someone near something.

    Medicines should always be KEPT AWAY from children.

Keep back

  • 1Maintain a safe distance.

    The police told the crowd to KEEP BACK from the fire.

Usage Examples: keep away, keep back in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

keep away

Example

Please keep away from the construction site.

Example

She keeps away from the busy streets when walking her dog.

keep back

Example

Please keep back from the edge of the cliff.

Example

She keeps back from the aggressive dog.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Keep away

stay clear of

To avoid or keep away from something or someone.

Example

The sign warned people to stay clear of the construction site.

steer clear of

To avoid or stay away from something or someone to prevent problems or danger.

Example

She decided to steer clear of the party since she knew there would be people she didn't get along with.

keep at arm's length

To keep a safe distance from someone or something to avoid being affected by it.

Example

He decided to keep his ex-girlfriend at arm's length to avoid any drama.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Keep back

hold back

To restrain or prevent someone or something from moving forward.

Example

The police officer had to hold back the crowd during the protest.

keep in check

To control or limit something or someone to prevent it from becoming too much or going too far.

Example

He had to keep his temper in check during the argument to avoid saying something he would regret.

restrain oneself

To hold back or control one's emotions or actions.

Example

She had to restrain herself from laughing during the serious meeting.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “away”

Differences in keep away vs keep back: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: keep away or keep back?

Both phrases are used in everyday conversation, but keep away is more common. It's often used to warn someone to stay away from danger or to keep a safe distance from something. Keep back is less common and usually used in specific situations like holding back a crowd or keeping someone from getting too close.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of keep away and keep back

Both keep away and keep back are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, 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 away and keep back

The tone of keep away and keep back can differ based on context. Keep away often carries a warning or protective tone, while keep back typically has a controlling or restraining tone.

keep away & keep back: Synonyms and Antonyms

Keep away

Synonyms

Keep back

Synonyms

Antonyms

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