Help center

Phrasal verbs "keep off" vs "stay off"

Differences between keep off and stay off

Keep off and stay off are similar in meaning, but keep off is more commonly used to refer to avoiding physical contact with something or someone, while stay off is more commonly used to refer to avoiding a particular place or activity.

Meanings and Definitions: keep off vs stay off

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Keep off

  • 1Not talk about.

    She KEPT OFF the subject of her divorce.

  • 2Not tread on something.

    KEEP OFF the grass in the park, please.

Stay off

  • 1To not go to or be absent from work.

    I daren’t stay off work.

  • 2To remain at a lower weight or level.

    Let’s make sure those pounds stay off.

  • 3Avoid or refrain from.

    The best advice is to stay off alcohol altogether.

Usage Examples: keep off, stay off in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

keep off

Example

Please keep off the freshly painted floor.

Example

He keeps off the grass to protect it from damage.

stay off

Example

I decided to stay off social media for a week.

Example

She stays off caffeine to avoid feeling jittery.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Keep off

avoid touching

To refrain from making physical contact with something or someone.

Example

The sign clearly says keep off the grass, so please stay on the path.

steer clear of

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

Example

After the accident, he decided to steer clear of driving for a while to regain his confidence.

stay away from

To avoid or keep a distance from something or someone.

Example

She decided to stay away from social media for a while to focus on her studies.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Stay off

avoid going to

To refrain from visiting or attending a particular place or event.

Example

I need to avoid going to crowded places during flu season to reduce my risk of getting sick.

keep away from

To stay at a distance from something or someone to avoid harm or danger.

Example

The children were warned to keep away from the construction site for their safety.

abstain from

To refrain from doing or participating in something, usually for moral or personal reasons.

Example

He decided to abstain from alcohol for a month to support his friend's sobriety journey.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “keep”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: keep off or stay off?

In everyday conversation, people use stay off more often than keep off. This is because stay off is used for more general situations such as staying away from a place or activity, while keep off is used for more specific situations such as keeping off a surface or object. So, while both phrases are used, stay off is more common in everyday conversation.

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

Keep off and stay off 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 off and stay off

The tone of keep off and stay off can differ based on context. Keep off often carries a warning or cautionary tone when related to physical contact, while stay off typically has a more neutral or matter-of-fact tone, especially when referring to avoiding a place or activity.

keep off & stay off: Synonyms and Antonyms

Keep off

Synonyms

Antonyms

Stay off

Synonyms

Antonyms

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!