Differences between keep away and keep up with

Keep away means to stay at a distance from someone or something, while keep up with means to maintain the same level or pace as someone or something.

Meanings and Definitions: keep away vs keep up with

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 up with

1Move at the same rate.
He walks too fast and it's really hard to KEEP UP WITH him.
2Stay up to date.
It's hard to KEEP UP WITH all the latest improvements and breakthroughs in technology nowadays.

Usage Examples: keep away, keep up with 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 up with

Example

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

Example

She keeps up with her favorite TV shows every week.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Keep away

stay clear of

To avoid or stay away from someone or something that is considered dangerous or harmful.

Example

The sign warned visitors to stay clear of the construction site for their own safety.

steer clear of

To avoid or stay away from someone or something that is considered risky or unpleasant.

Example

She decided to steer clear of the party since she didn't know anyone there and felt uncomfortable.

keep at bay

To prevent or hold off someone or something that is considered threatening or dangerous.

Example

The security guard managed to keep the intruders at bay until the police arrived.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Keep up with

keep pace with

To maintain the same speed or rate as someone or something.

Example

He struggled to keep pace with the other runners during the marathon but managed to finish it.

stay on top of

To remain informed or knowledgeable about a particular subject or task.

Example

As a journalist, she needs to stay on top of current events and trends to write relevant articles.

keep abreast of

To stay informed or up-to-date about a particular subject or situation.

Example

The CEO made sure to keep abreast of the company's financial performance to make strategic decisions.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “keep”

Phrasal Verbs with “away”

Phrasal Verbs with “up with”

Differences in keep away vs keep up with: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: keep away or keep up with?

In daily conversation, people use keep up with more often than keep away. This is because keep up with is used in various contexts such as work, school, and sports. Keep away is not used as much, but it's still a common phrase when talking about avoiding danger or staying away from something unpleasant.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of keep away and keep up with

Keep away and keep up with are both informal phrases that are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. However, keep up with can also be used in more formal settings like business or academic contexts.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of keep away and keep up with

The tone of keep away and keep up with can differ based on context. Keep away often carries a cautious or fearful tone when related to avoiding danger or staying away from something unpleasant, while keep up with typically has a determined or competitive tone, especially when referring to maintaining a certain level of performance or achievement.

keep away & keep up with: Synonyms and Antonyms

Keep away

Synonyms

avoid
prevent
refrain
shun
withhold
avert
stay away
steer clear

Antonyms

Keep up with

Synonyms

follow
match
maintain pace
stay current
stay informed
stay up to date
stay abreast

Antonyms