Phrasal verbs "keep in" vs "stay in"

Differences between keep in and stay in

Keep in usually means to retain something or someone in a particular place or state, whereas stay in generally means to remain in a specific location or position.

Meanings and Definitions: keep in vs stay in

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Keep in

  • 1Not allow someone out.

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

Stay in

  • 1Not go out.

    I'm going to STAY IN and chill tonight, I can't be bothered to go out.

Usage Examples: keep in, stay in 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.

stay in

Example

I usually stay in on weekdays to save money.

Example

She stays in most nights to study for her exams.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Keep in

To keep or hold onto something or someone.

Example

She decided to retain her old phone instead of buying a new one.

To keep or maintain possession of something.

Example

He wanted to hold onto his childhood memories by keeping his old toys.

To keep something in one's mind or recall it from memory.

Example

Don't forget to remember to bring your passport to the airport.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Stay in

remain indoors

To stay inside a building or structure.

Example

It's raining outside, so let's remain indoors and watch a movie.

To choose to stay at home instead of going out.

Example

I'm feeling tired today, so I think I'll not go out and just relax at home.

To stay alone or avoid socializing with others.

Example

He's a shy person who prefers to keep to himself rather than attending parties.

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 “in”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: keep in or stay in?

Both phrases are commonly used in daily conversation, but stay in is more frequently used. This is because stay in is used to describe a physical location, while keep in can refer to a variety of situations such as keeping something in mind or keeping someone in a certain state.

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

Keep in and stay in are both informal phrases that are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. However, keep in can be used in more formal settings such as business or academic contexts when referring to retaining information or keeping someone in a particular state.

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

The tone of keep in and stay in can differ based on context. Keep in often carries a directive or instructive tone when related to retaining something or someone, while stay in typically has a descriptive and neutral tone when referring to remaining in a location or position.

keep in & stay in: Synonyms and Antonyms

Keep in

Synonyms

Antonyms

Stay in

Synonyms

  • remain indoors
  • not go out
  • stay home
  • stay at home

Antonyms

  • leave
  • go out
  • venture out
  • head out

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