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Phrasal verbs "keep away" vs "stay away"

Differences between keep away and stay away

Keep away means to maintain a distance from something or someone to avoid harm or danger, while stay away means to refrain from going near something or someone, often because it's not desirable or prohibited.

Meanings and Definitions: keep away vs stay away

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.

Stay away

  • 1Not come.

    He said he didn't like them coming and wanted them to STAY AWAY.

Usage Examples: keep away, stay away 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.

stay away

Example

Please stay away from the construction site for your safety.

Example

She stays away from negative people to maintain her positive mindset.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Keep away

stay clear of

To avoid getting involved with something or someone that could cause harm or trouble.

Example

He always stays clear of gossip and drama at work to maintain a positive and productive environment.

steer clear of

To avoid or stay away from something or someone that could be dangerous or harmful.

Example

She decided to steer clear of the park at night after hearing about recent muggings in the area.

keep at bay

To prevent something or someone from coming too close or causing harm.

Example

The new security system helped keep burglars at bay and protect the store from theft.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Stay away

avoid like the plague

To stay away from something or someone completely, often because it's undesirable or harmful.

Example

I avoid horror movies like the plague because they give me nightmares.

keep one's distance

To maintain a safe or respectful distance from something or someone.

Example

She decided to keep her distance from her ex-boyfriend after their breakup to avoid any unnecessary drama.

give a wide berth

To keep a considerable distance from something or someone, often because it's unpleasant or dangerous.

Example

Most people give a wide berth to the abandoned house on the hill because of its spooky reputation.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “keep”

Phrasal Verbs with “stay”

Phrasal Verbs with “away”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: keep away or stay away?

Both keep away and stay away are commonly used in everyday conversation, but keep away is more common when referring to physical distance, such as keeping away from a fire or dangerous animal. On the other hand, stay away is more common when referring to social distance, such as staying away from someone who is sick or avoiding a place that is not safe.

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

Both phrases are informal and suitable for casual conversations. However, in more formal settings, using alternative expressions like 'maintain a safe distance' or 'refrain from approaching' can convey a more professional tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of keep away and stay away

The tone of keep away is often cautious or warning, while the tone of stay away is more neutral or even negative, depending on the context. For example, if someone says 'Stay away from me!', it can be interpreted as a sign of anger or annoyance.

keep away & stay away: Synonyms and Antonyms

Keep away

Synonyms

Stay away

Synonyms

Antonyms

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