Phrasal verbs "keep in" vs "keep back"

Differences between keep in and keep back

Keep back means to hold something or someone in a position, to prevent them from moving forward or to retain something for later use. On the other hand, keep in means to restrain oneself from expressing emotions or to remain indoors.

Meanings and Definitions: keep in vs keep back

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Keep in

• 1. Not allow someone out.

  The teacher KEPT the students IN after school because they had misbehaved.

Keep back

• 1. Maintain a safe distance.

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

Usage Examples: keep in, keep back in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

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.

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 in

hold back

To restrain oneself from expressing emotions or to prevent oneself from doing something.

Example

She had to hold back her tears during the emotional speech.

stay indoors

To remain inside a building or a place.

Example

It's raining heavily outside, so we decided to stay indoors and watch a movie.

restrain oneself

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

Example

He had to restrain himself from shouting at his boss during the meeting.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Keep back

hold off

To delay or postpone something.

Example

We need to hold off the project until we receive the necessary funding.

retain for later use

To keep something for future use or reference.

Example

I always retain my notes for later use when studying for exams.

prevent from moving forward

To stop or hinder someone or something from advancing or progressing.

Example

The police officer had to prevent the crowd from moving forward during the protest.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “keep”

• keep down
• keep back
• keep on
• keep to
• keep up at

Phrasal Verbs with “in”

• buy in
• wade in
• dip in
• fall in
• break in

Phrasal Verbs with “back”

• sit back
• ring back
• drive back
• hang back
• plough back

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

Frequency in Daily Use: keep in or keep back?

In everyday conversation, people use keep in more often than keep back. This is because keep in is used to describe a common behavior of controlling one's emotions, while keep back is used less frequently and mainly in specific contexts like holding someone back from doing something.

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

Keep in and keep back 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 in and keep back

The tone of keep in and keep back can differ based on context. Keep in often carries a reserved or cautious tone when related to emotions, while keep back typically has a protective or authoritative tone, especially when referring to holding someone or something back.

keep in & keep back: Synonyms and Antonyms

Keep in

Synonyms

• confine
• restrict
• hold
• detain
• retain
• prevent from leaving

Antonyms

• release
• free
• liberate
• let out
• allow out
• set free

Keep back

Synonyms

• refrain
• avoid
• retreat
• withdraw
• stay away
• maintain distance
• hold back

Antonyms

• approach
• advance
• proceed
• continue
• move forward
• get closer