Phrasal verbs "keep from" vs "keep to"

Differences between keep from and keep to

Keep from means to prevent or avoid something from happening, while keep to means to stick to a plan, rule, or agreement.

Meanings and Definitions: keep from vs keep to

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Keep from

• 1. Control yourself, refrain.

  I couldn't KEEP FROM arguing with her.

Keep to

• 1. Stay within limits.

  Please KEEP TO the path.

Usage Examples: keep from, keep to in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

keep from

Example

I try to keep from eating too much junk food.

Example

She keeps from talking about her personal life at work.

keep to

Example

Please keep to the path when walking in the park.

Example

She always keeps to her schedule.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Keep from

refrain from

To stop oneself from doing something that may be harmful or inappropriate.

Example

She had to refrain from eating sweets to maintain a healthy diet.

avoid

To stay away from or prevent something from happening.

Example

He tried to avoid getting sick by washing his hands frequently and wearing a mask.

deter from

To discourage or prevent someone from doing something.

Example

The high cost of the program deterred him from pursuing a degree in that field.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Keep to

adhere to

To follow or stick to a rule, plan, or agreement.

Example

The company policy requires employees to adhere to a strict dress code during business hours.

abide by

To obey or comply with a law, rule, or agreement.

Example

As a citizen, it's important to abide by the laws and regulations of your country.

stick with

To continue doing something or following a plan despite difficulties or challenges.

Example

Even though the project was challenging, she decided to stick with her original plan and complete it on time.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “keep”

• keep away
• keep up with
• keep out
• keep in
• keep to

Phrasal Verbs with “from”

• spring from
• walk back from
• come from
• hold back from
• shrink from

Phrasal Verbs with “to”

• run to
• reduce to
• go to
• bow to
• attend to

Differences in keep from vs keep to: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: keep from or keep to?

In daily conversation, people use keep from more often than keep to. This is because keep from is used for more common situations such as avoiding bad habits or preventing accidents. Keep to is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about following rules or agreements. So, while both phrases are used, keep from is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of keep from and keep to

Keep from and keep to 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 from and keep to

The tone of keep from and keep to can differ based on context. Keep from often carries a cautious or negative tone when related to avoiding something harmful or unpleasant, while keep to typically has a responsible and disciplined tone, especially when referring to following rules or agreements.

keep from & keep to: Synonyms and Antonyms

Keep from

Synonyms

• refrain
• abstain
• restrain
• withhold
• prevent
• avoid
• hold back
• resist

Antonyms

• indulge
• surrender
• yield
• allow
• permit
• encourage
• release
• give in

Keep to

Synonyms

• follow
• observe
• adhere to
• stick to
• abide by
• comply with
• conform to

Antonyms

• disregard
• ignore
• violate
• break
• disobey
• flout
• defy